When it comes to the CMA's new Charter for Physicians, I must support Dan MacCarthy.1 The critique of it offered by Nuala Kenny and colleagues2 is way off the mark in equating professional rights with the needs so succinctly expressed in the charter. When I first read the charter, it gave me the feeling that some collective support was at hand to help with the day-to-day effort required to serve patients. It is also a useful adjunct to the CMA Code of Ethics.3 MacCarthy's eloquent rebuttal stands on its own merit. I would add that the alternatives provided by the authors of the critique are completely at ease with the charter's overall focus.
Most physicians I know practise medicine for altruistic reasons, and I certainly strive in that direction. However, my colleagues and I have needs, many of which are unmet in the current divisive elimate within our health care system. Yes, we are a privileged group, but please, less destructive criticism, and more encouragement. In my view, the charter achieves the latter goal.