Carmen Galea, Floriana
A shining example of the medical profession
With reference to John Bickle's article Writing In Defence Of Consultant's Reputation, (July 7), I too was taken aback by the allegations made by a couple with regard to Massimo Abela - but then again we have not as yet heard Mr Abela's version of events.
A few weeks ago I underwent a medical intervention by Mr Abela at Mater Dei Hospital and I cannot find the words to express my gratitude at the manner in which he diagnosed the problem, performed the operation and went about the aftercare. His positive outlook and encouraging words did not go amiss.
During my outpatient clinic visit, I was also witness to Mr Abela's ethical behaviour with a young patient.
It was a marvel to see him take the time and have the patience to reassure this boy that with time and a little care, life would go back to normal.
Mr Abela is also very punctual and never lets his patients wait for him unnecessarily.
In my humble opinion he is a credit to his profession and a good example of what the health service should be like at our state hospital.
Popular Stories
In Discussion
6 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
wally vella-zarb
Jul 13th 2009, 20:29
J Martinelli, within the constraints of your hypothetical case, and as described by yourself, the answer would appear to be "Yes!"
Louise Scerri
Jul 13th 2009, 16:32
Mr Ellul, come on, Mr Meli is not condemning the accused here. He is claiming mutual respect whether it is from the patient's part or the consultant's part, whether it is for one 'apparent' reason or another. And I take his point. Why are we so sensitive and full of defence when someone is trying to consider both sides of the story? Maybe I should write a letter 'a shining example of enforcing the patient's rights'. I'm sure it will create a lot of controversy and might even sound pathetic - but so might these letters in consultant's defence. They are probably right, but ultimately they are biased and subjective not to say a small representation of the crowd.
J Martinelli
Jul 13th 2009, 15:46
Without taking sides with either the complainant or Dr. Massimo Abela, let me relate a similar version of the event in question.
A five foot two woman weighing 250 pounds, goes to a doctor who, upon examining her, told her what the consequences of carrying so much weight on her otherwise small frame, would be when she gets a little older.
He hands her a diet sheet and asks her to follow it to a letter and to come back and see him in a month. A month goes by and she loses three pounds - obviously not good enough.
This goes on for a few months and the doctor finally tells her that she is wasting his time and not to bother him with her weight problems.
Has the doctor broken his Hippocratic oath?
Joseph Meli
Jul 13th 2009, 15:23
Mr Ellul,
Take a good look at my comments again before you jump into unnecessary defence. I was being generic and requesting respect from medics and patients towards each other(what I referred to as mutual respect) IN GENERAL. Should not sound new neither offensive to anyone's ears.
Now applying this ethical criterion to this case: Is taking a consultant to court any proof of respect from the patient's side(especially if claimed to be unnecessary as many readers are claiming)? On the other hand, if the patient is alleging arrogance etc (as the newspaper has reported) is this any proof of respect from the consultant side?
I was being hypothetically unbiased yes, far from inconsistent and throwing stones.
I pose questions, I do not accuse nor defend anyone. The court will answer.
Alex Ellul
Jul 13th 2009, 13:57
@Joseph Meli: First you demand that "we wait for definite reports from the court." Then in the next sentence you condemn the accused. Let us be consistent with our own words first before casting the first stone.
Joseph Meli
Jul 13th 2009, 13:03
A shining example of the medical profession, BUT every single minute? We are talking about someone who SEEMS to have a locus standi here my dear, else a legal protest would not have been signed. Let's wait for definite reports from the court. Respect between a patient and a medic should be mutual and all the time. For one reason or another, it does not seem to be so in this case.