February 9, 2022 – Why do medical-school deans and residency directors continue to select future doctors based on standardized test scores, which – more than anything else – measure one’s ability to memorize thousands of arcane facts? According to Dr. Robert Pearl, the answer to this question lies in the “rules” of the medical profession.
All doctors adhere to two different sets of rules. There are the written rules, covering everything from human anatomy and physiology to the current laws and regulations that govern the profession.
Then there are the unwritten rules, which dictate the “right way” to act. These rules, which heavily influence clinician behavior, aren’t taught in textbooks or lecture halls. They are observed and subconsciously absorbed by medical students and young doctors whilst trying to learn the ropes and earn the respect of physician leaders.
As a nation, we won’t solve medicine’s cost or quality problems by tinkering at the edges or making small modifications here and there. Instead, we must reject and replace the dozens of rules that prevent doctors and others from delivering great care at reasonable prices.
Read his solution to this problem in the latest issue of Repertoire.