Omahajim---

I think you've lost the entire concept of what we are trying to say. As physicians, we are obligated to serve humanity with the training we have received. Whether we are rewarded by the gratitude of the patient/family/airlines, etc., it doesn't matter. We do not expect anything for our services, but when things are inadvertently presented to us for services beyond anything anybody else could have achieved, we are delighted with the thoughts. That does not include money, for then it becomes a contractual agreement, and not a Good Samaritan service.

The purser happened to know me, and knew where I was seated, so there was no announcement needed asking for an on board physician. Of course I assisted, as any physician would do in that situation. But, had I been asked to help, then refused, the airline could have sued me under the Good Samaritan Law for non-compliance/malfeasance under the statutes of the Law.

As the pilot of the plane told me, "I fly the airplane...that's my job....and I want you to feel free to do whatever you can for our passenger, as I know absolutely nothing about medicine!" The FA's are so very appreciative, as they also know next to nothing about the intricacies of illnesses. Would you rather have a physician attend to an ill family member in mid-flight, than trying to have the pilot and FA's standing over the passenger fretting about what to do? I don't think so!