With our white coats on we feel the aura of pressure.
Pressure to be professional, to act accordingly.
We walk through the hospital with our heads held high, knowing we have a duty.
Tossing our white coats aside, true personalities shine through.
Most are gleaming of kindness and enthusiasm to learn,
Others are tainted.
These souls strive to reach a level of professionalism behind their white cloak,
but fail to reach expectations while unhidden.
What I see frightens me,
because these individuals will one day be responsible for the lives of others.
They lie to professors to get what they want.
They come to mandatory sessions, only to depart minutes later.
They cheat.
They sell prescription drugs.
They abuse prescription drugs.
They get intimate in the study spaces.
They do it all with a cheerful face.
What I see frightens me,
because I never want to be like them.
What can be done?
I’ve tried to approach them,
it ended friendships.
Administration knows,
yet I see no change.
Perhaps most terrifying,
these individuals exist at all medical schools.
They hide amongst the rest of us,
polluting the image of our profession.
So here I stand, turning a blind eye,
but what can I do?
I can’t change the mindset of others.
I can’t change their actions.
I only hope they aren’t my doctor.
Featured image:
Rainbow pollution by gambler20
