FROM FOE TO FRIEND

FROM FOE TO FRIEND

When I finished my Diploma in Ophthalmology. and joined Government Head Quarters Hospital we used to do a lot of Cataract operations and had to clear a huge back log.
There was a senior ophthalmologist –Dr.X- and whenever we gathered in IMA meeting or other gatherings he used to remark about the cases I had operated which have developed complications and came to him for treatment.
He always chose the time when I was with 3-4 doctors and used to narrate the complication.
Needless to say this caused considerable embarrassment.
I first thought that the timing was not intentional. But as it occurred again and again I became aware of his cunning motive.
One day I couldn’t contain myself and said “Every operation has its risk. Don’t you get any complication in your operated cases?”
“Never! “he refused adamantly to my surprise “ I take particular care in my cases and achieve 100% result.” {?!]
I have already seen some of his complications but had no proof to confront with him there itself.

I thought at length how to counter his tactics.
If I go to him personally and ask him not to mention my complicated cases in a gathering he would gladly agree.
He will not do that, sure, but he would definitely tell the other doctors about my request gloatingly.

I started collecting a detailed record of his post operative complicated cases which came to me for treatment.
When I had about 7 cases I made my move.
I confronted him about one of his case but unlike him I chose to have my say when he was alone.
“I happened to see one case you operated. She had this complication. “I started.
“It couldn’t be “he tried to avoid.
“Her name is … She is from… village. You have done the surgery on…. She developed this complication on.. ‘” I continued relentlessly.
“Oh! That case “. Now that he is caught he had nowhere to hide except lie out of it.
“You see she injured the eye by banging against a door and didn’t tell me about it “[Couldn’t think out anything better..eh!!].
I confronted him again with another case sometimes later.
This time he didn’t try to squirm away but offered another lame excuse.
Anyhow he was sharp enough to understand the message delivered and his confrontations stopped.

About 2 months later one patient came to me for Cataract extraction.
After examination I advised the routine investigations.
He then told me that he had been already investigated by Dr.X.. He had been taken up for surgery and when he was given injection around the eye he developed swelling, pain and redness. Consequently the surgery was postponed to a later date and he had come to me.
I surmised that he had developed RBH [ Retro-bulbar haemorrhage ] which is a common complication of injection and Dr.X has done the correct thing. I told him so, said it can happen in anybody’s hand and I too have encountered some cases.
He thought over it and said “Yes, sir. I think you are right. He did two other cases on that day and they didn’t get any swelling like me.”
He further asked whether it will be alright for him to go to Dr.X again for surgery as he had paid some advance amount.
I said I didn’t mind and advised him it will be better.

Subsequently he went to Dr.X again, but refrained wisely from telling him about the consultation he had with me, underwent surgery which was uneventful and only after he was prescribed glasses after 6 weeks told Dr.X about my consultation..
He told me Dr.X repeatedly asked what I had said.

After that episode whenever Dr.X saw any complicated cases done by me he used to say that it is not the surgeon’s fault and they can very well continue the treatment under me.

This is a fairy tale ending of a foe turning into a friend and I wish every thing can be resolved like this. But that is too tall an order.