Questions of trust

On behalf of 53 000 members, from Quebec and from across Canada, the Canadian Medical Association considers that the editorial of September 17, 2002,1 is seriously flawed.

Figure. Photo by: Ed Sebestyen, Saskatoon Star-Phoenix

· The editorial claims that physicians have broken the trust that underpins the patient–physician relationship. It specifically fails to provide evidence, from the main stakeholders in Shawinigan-Sud, to support the stark condemnation of the behaviour of these emergency physicians. In the absence of specific evidence to support this claim, it amounts to an unwarranted attack on the whole profession.

· Canada's health system is being held together by the exceptional efforts of physicians and other health providers. This is especially so when it comes to caring for those in emergency situations. The editorial fails to recognize this fact.

· The editorial ascribes to physicians the responsibility for the severe inadequacy of the emergency services. This again fails to recognize the real-life experience of emergency physicians and their unique set of circumstances. This is further complicated by the specialty status of emergency medicine in Quebec.

Based on these serious flaws, the conclusion that physicians have betrayed a trust which we all hold at the very heart of medicine is repugnant. Our colleagues in Quebec deserve a retraction.