Mandatory National Health Service

Abstract

To the Editor. —I had to write a response to the article concerning mandatory national health service by Dr Johns.1 Ideas concerning future medical delivery systems have been expressed well by authors of various articles inJAMAover the last few years. I am beginning to tire of articles emphatically pushing the right to medical care, the that universal access will solve all our medical problems, and the fact that specialists are always high-priced, do inappropriate procedures, and are now concerned about their financial bottom line. Now, to paraphrase Johns, public service physicians would insure society's goal of competent, compassionate, and dedicated physicians. I have spent time in Haiti, Romania, and Mexico donating medical time, equipment, and service. In all situations I've found that I have most enjoyed giving medical care when my efforts have been received with gratitude, even when all I had to offer was compassion.