Sadly, I don't think the arrogance is anything new. I do, however, feel that doctors, on the whole, have grown less compassionate.

A physician friend, forced to retire by a serious, complicated illness, concurs. Her condition brings her into contact with many doctors. She understands that, to maintain their sanity, healthcare workers need a professional detachment that prevents them from taking all their patients' problems home. What concerns her, is that many don't seem to give a fig about their patients, even while they're interacting with them. She wonders what in heck they're teaching them in med school these days.

My own experience with doctors has been so negative that I would term it traumatic. So much of their hostility was generated by their frustration at their inability to "fix" me. "OMG, how dare you show me I'm not God. It must be your fault." Hmmm.... if they want frustrating, they should try living with my disabilities.

My pets get better, more compassionate care from our vet. I wish I could buy a Saint Bernard costume and go see him.