Should a doctor take days off sick, for fear of infecting their patients? Even if it was just a cold?

Question

Should a doctor take days off sick, for fear of infecting their patients? Even if it was just a cold?

Answer 1

Good question.  The doctors I know work when they're sick, up to a point.  I've seen surgeons cancel cases because they have a migraine or a stomach bug.  You can't do surgery if you have to run to the can every 20 minutes.

The last time I called work to say I wouldn't be in was when I went into labor with my middle child.  She is now 16 years old.  I have gone home early, though, when all the cases could be covered.

I've worked ill many times, but I always wear a mask and wash my hands a lot (and wear gloves a lot), so it's unlikely that I'm going to spread anything.

I have too many situations where I am the only anesthesiologist, and cases would have to be canceled if I didn't show up.  So I go to work and feel miserable, instead of staying home feeling miserable.

Answer 2

Yes... if a doctor may cause more harm than good to his/her patient then this physician is better off avoiding seeing patients so as not to infect them.

Answer 3

Should they? Ideally, of course they should. However, depending on the MD's situation, this might not be practical or even possible. In some cases it might seem problematic ethically even if it is sound biologically.

If for example an MD was scheduled to come in to work in an emergency room and then there was a huge bus accident, people bleeding etc, would he or she stay home and leave people with less medical attention to go around because of a little cold?

Ultimately it is a judgment call based on triaged needs... which is characteristic of the types of decisions that MDs have to make all the time.

Answer 4

Yes and No. Yes, because 'patients' could be suffering from something that may lower their immune system, making a cold easy to catch.

No, because doctors are necessary and in short supply, so they would need to go to work so they could help others...

Answer 5

I have never once been treated by a dr who seemed to be ill & I'm 62.  So I've either been very lucky or my drs have taken days off when they're sick.

Answer 6

Yes. because a doctor should be physically fit to do his/her job or it will make the situation of the patient worse.

Answer 7

A lot of variables here. First, not every illness is contagious, even "colds." Second, every one has different immune responses, so even if something is contagious, it doesn't mean everyone will get it who comes in contact with the ill person. Third, doctors know very well how to minimize risk of spread of potential contagions - they often routinely wash their hands before seeing each patient - even when they are not ill. Remember, it is the doctors (and nurses) who are at the greatest risk for catching illnesses from the sick patients - not the other way around. If a doctor is well enough to work, it is unlikely he also sick enough to spread an illness.

Answer 8

Depends on his mood and physical condition