Doctors as intellectuals

Abstract

The medical profession is arguably the most respected profession, and has been so for centuries. It is seen by the general public as one which can be trusted with the most intimate problems, individual or family, medical or social. It has also been the case that, particularly in the past, doctors have spread their wings beyond the limits of medical practice and have been involved in politics, literature and various aspects of Maltese culture. It is true that medical practitioners are considered to be very busy with work within their speciality and have little time or inclination to widen their interests to reach out to the general public. One might also expect that any intellectual input should come primarily from the academic members rather from those involved in the day-to-day work at the coalface. There is, however, a great need for medical practitioners to become more visible within the framework of society, not just as dispensers of medical advice and medication, but also to become involved in issues of public concern. One issue of concern is the obvious