We are doctors, we are demi Gods, we are next to God, and so we cannot be inhuman. We not only need to be scientifically and legally correct but also morally and ethically correct. As doctors, we are supposed to follow two bioethics principles: non-maleficence (first do no harm) and beneficence (welfare of all).

Compassion is inherent to our profession as are compassionate doctors. Compassion should be demonstrated in practice as much as felt. A compassionate attitude in practice is more important than the science. Poor, inconsiderate and uncompassionate communication is the reason why most patients sue.

The etymology of "compassion" is Latin, meaning "co-suffering." Compassion involves "feeling for another" and is a precursor to empathy, the "feeling as another".

Compassion is considered in almost all the major religious traditions as among the greatest of virtues.

But, it is not the same as empathy or altruism. While empathy refers more generally to our ability to appreciate the perspective of and feel the emotions of another person, compassion is when those feelings and thoughts include the desire to help.

Altruism is the kind, selfless behavior often prompted by feelings of compassion, though one can feel compassion without acting on it, and altruism isn’t always motivated by compassion.

Today, everybody wants to regulate us. If we are demi Gods we do not need a regulator. God regulates others. We the medical professionals need to wake up and adopt and abide by the IMA self-regulation policies and also regulate policies for the corporate.

Dr KK Aggarwal

National President