When Doctors Fail To Heal

Any of us think of doctors as healers with magical powers that can cure anything. In reality, doctors are hard-working individuals who work within the limits of current medical knowledge. Let’s not forget that the medical profession is continually learning and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. The consensus is that one day in the near or distant future, doctors will be able to cure anything and prolong our lives. 

However, we’re not there yet. Unfortunately, doctors still come across obstacles that they can’t remove. When medical care doesn’t deliver the result we expect, who is to blame? Who’s at fault when your doctor can’t heal you? 

You need to change your life perspective

Not all wounds can be healed successfully. When you are involved in a life-changing accident, such as falling on your back after a failed stunt on a bike or ejected from the car at a crash scene, it is important to be realistic from the beginning. Your doctor can only do so much. But there are damages that science can’t fix yet. It’s not saying that in the next century or so, doctors won’t be able to mend a broken spine, but at the time being, you can’t afford to live in denial. Sometimes, you can’t recover from your injury because it’s beyond science’s knowledge. Therefore, learning to cope with your trauma and setting new goals can help rebuild your life. 

Could it have been avoided?

On rare occasions, your illness or injury could have been contained if your medical team had diagnosed it effectively or provided the expected standard of care. While these instances are infrequent in the grand scheme of things, it’s fair to say that medical malpractice legal cases are increasing year on year. Contrary to common belief, most individuals who follow a medical career care deeply about the well-being of their patients. Unfortunately, long shifts, high stress, fatigue, and lack of experience for young doctors can lead to cases of negligence. Even if you are understanding of the situation that affected healthcare workers, filing a complaint can help you face the challenges of your injury.  

Bacterial infections are more resistant

We live in the permanent belief that there is a pill that can take our problems away. That’s precisely why antibiotics are so popular to treat infections. Unfortunately, if you rely on antibiotics too much and too often, your body could develop antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance is on the rise around the world, as too many patients can find off-the-counter medications or request prescriptions from their doctors. However, resistance mechanisms make it hard for doctors to treat infections and minor injuries effectively.  

Facing a pandemic together

If there is one thing that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted is how unprepared most countries are when it comes to healthcare emergencies. Medical centers worldwide are running out of resources, equipment, and personnel due to the current health crisis. Additionally, anti-vaxxers and communities that believe COVID-19 is a hoax are putting additional pressure on doctors to save their patients. Healing in such an adverse environment is a difficult task that exposes doctors to health risks, mental health issues, and high stress. 

Are doctors responsible for all our health issues? There is no simple answer. Medical malpractice and negligence do occur, and they require appropriate compensation to help you rebuild your life. However, we must accept that doctors have no magical healing powers. Medical negligence is only one of the reasons why they couldn’t heal you.

*this is a collaborative post

Ed Lives