Fallen Idols

They were once viewed with awe
above and beyond, no equals other
than their professional peers, all of
whom held the magic of healing in
their memories, trained to observe
and to diagnose, to prescribe and to 
treat, and return to health would follow
their grateful patients. Minor mishaps
were their bailiwick, stitches to graft
skin back together, excisions where
required to remove offending
infection-prone cyst. Delivering
newborns, no problem. The care of
the entire family was in their
capable hands. When the patient
was immobilized, the good doctor
would pay a house-call and administer
diagnosis and immediate treatment;
thank goodness for antibiotics. On
call to visit his patients post-surgery,
he was here, there, everywhere. Those
days and that dedication gone forever.
The current crop no longer held in awe
they still feel entitled to be, more adept
at computer use than engaging physically
with their patients, making no house
calls, spurning hospital visits, their
speciality now is referrals; whatever
the patient's health condition can be
solved by referring to a medical
specialist; the general practitioner
has become a referral agent. Sad.