In a recent tweet that sparked heated discussions online, a Twitter user expressed disappointment after discovering that several medical interns and clerks allegedly left their duty posts to attend The Eras Tour. This raised questions about professional responsibility and work-life balance in the medical field.
OP’s tweet, “I was left flabbergasted after finding out that several medical interns/clerks abandoned their duty post to watch The Eras Tour. If you think it’s justifiable, then maybe a career in medicine is not for you,” ignited a flurry of reactions, revealing a stark divide in opinions regarding the responsibilities and rights of healthcare professionals, particularly those in training.
One Twitter user responded, highlighting the differences between the corporate world and the medical profession: “People dragging OP in the comments and QRTs need to realize the hospital is different from corporate. It’s true clerks and (most) interns are unpaid, but there is a code of conduct MDs, even students, need to adhere to – not lying, for one. Gusto mo ‘yun sinungaling doctor mo? [Do you want your doctor to be a liar?]”
Another user shared their experience, shedding light on the intricacies of requesting time off during medical training: “This is a system problem. Way back in clerkship, nagpaalam ako nang maayos sa resident in charge [I informed the resident in charge properly] if I can attend my best friend’s wedding the next day… For sure the clerks/interns will have to do makeup duties.”
The discussion extended to the nuances of taking leave and the expectations placed on medical professionals. One Twitter user questioned a valid reason for doctors to be excused from their duties: “The question here is what constitutes a valid reason for you to excuse doctors from their duties? Life and death lang ba dapat bago mag leave ang training doctors? [Should life and death situations be the only reason for training doctors to take a leave?]”
Criticism was also directed towards OP’s use of the term ‘abandon’ and the implication that medical professionals should not prioritize personal reasons for taking leave. One user pointed out, “You make it seem that when you have a Medical career, all of your excuse to take a break/leave must be acceptable. It seems doctors can’t take a leave for the sake of personal reasons?”
Supporters of the interns and clerks emphasized the importance of work-life balance and mental health in the medical field. One user defended the interns’ decision, stating, “Nag file naman pala ng leave. Bakit pinapakielaman nyo yung reason? Boomer mindset ka koya? Maka-flabbergasted [“So the interns filed for leave after all. Why are you meddling with the reason? Are you stuck in a boomer mindset, dude? Just to mention flabbergasted.]”
The reactions to OP’s tweet showcase a diverse range of opinions regarding the responsibilities and priorities of medical interns and clerks and the broader challenges within the healthcare system.
It’s a harsh reality that medical workers in the Philippines are often underpaid, and in some cases, interns aren’t paid at all. So, just like any normal laborer, taking occasional leaves to enjoy some time off might not be a bad idea. Keeping in mind ethical standards, there shouldn’t be any problem at all.
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