Doctors are women and men who have studied years and years, gathering the best knowledge available to help you solve health issues whenever those arrive, right? Well, yes of course that is a good definition (and I’m absolutely thrilled that they are there and do just that), but it does not cover all possible angles.
Let’s for example try to come up with addtional definitions for some subcategories of the medical profession, from an economic perspective:
- medical specialist: someone who will only make some decent money if whatever is wrong with you is caused by something related to her/his specialty
- surgeon: someone who only makes money if (s)he can cut you open
- plastic surgeon: someone who stops earning money when you look perfect
- psychiatrist: someone who stops earning money the minute (s)he utters the words “There is nothing wrong with you.”
- general practitioner: someone who will only keep earning money from you if (s)he consistently provides you with the correct diagnosis
OK, admittedly that’s all a bit over the top (except for the last one), but still it can be a very useful dimension to keep in mind when seeking medical advice.
As consumers we are being offered, in an increasing number of domains, the choice between ‘big brand’ products and store brands or ‘white labels’. A nice way to save some money, right? Especially since more and more research is showing that the quality is very much comparable (if not completely the same, or at least being manufactured in the same production facilities), why not choose the cheaper alternative for everyday products such as milk or paper tissues?
THE SECOND HALF 