Why is it called "practicing" medicine? Wouldn't you rather have some one "skilled" at medicine, instead of just practicing? I might practice the piano for 40 years and never be good enough to perform, but even if I play 27 wrong notes, nobody will die; at least I don't play that bad!
And then there is the whole thing about people who destroy their bodies, and then expect society to pick up the tab. And along comes the outraged family, who seem to think that we can create a masterpiece out of faulty materials!?!

Training the Scholars

Cirrhosis cause by many years
Of IV drugs and a million beers,
Disabled with his liver disease
He wants a medical miracle please.

On public assistance, he has no job
No health insurance plan to rob,
Saint Mother of Money hospitals, say
"Don't come to us, if you can't pay".

So, off to the University joint
We charge triple, that's the point,
All in the name of research and knowledge
You have to remember, that this is college.

Last year Biology, frogs in the lab
This year an Intern, people on a slab,
Poking around for landmarks unseen
Unlicensed drivers on every machine.

You chose the lifestyle, of abuse and addiction
Now you're begging for help, to reverse the affliction,
You agree to proceed, did you pause to repent?
There's a chance you will die, but you gave us consent.

Your family is angry, they threaten to sue
But you know the truth, the blame is on you,
And it seems like a waste of our health-care dollars
But then I remember, we're training the scholars.

Fibril_late; 12/94