The Good Samaritan takes a trip, or two.

You all probably know the Good Samaritan parable from the Bible.  If not, look it up.  

There are laws allowing docs to help as “good Samaritans” without fear of malpractice.  One such location is helping out when the flight attendant asks for “Is there a doctor on board?”  So, a story…

We were just leaving Chicago on a wide-body jet back in economy when the announcement came asking for a doctor.  I saw at least 10 hands go up in front of me, and two guys in suits up front stood up and moved to a person in first class they helped to lay on the floor and hunched over.  I was relieved I wouldn’t have to go up, for a moment, but then, I’m a family doctor, a generalist.  What if the two who were attending this sick passenger were superspecialists, like, a dermatologist or radiologist?  What would they remember about assessing an unknown?  There’s actually research that shows that gastroenterologists and cardiologists have forgotten more general medicine than other subspecialists.  Who wouldn’t if you spend your days passing endoscopes and heart caths?

So, I decided to go up anyway and see if I could help.  “Do you guys need any help?  I’m a family doctor.

“We’re internists!!” said one, with only a small hint of utter disdain.

“Oh, OK!  I was afraid you were dermatologists.”

So I started back to my seat, and about 10 rows back a woman leaned into the aisle to get my attention, and whispered, 

“Thank you!!  I’m a dermatologist!”

I kid you not.  Truth is stranger than fiction, can’t make this up! 

Another flight:  Flying Hawaiian to Honolulu, before take off, the overhead call for a doctor.  This time I’m the first one the flight attendant spots.  “Doctor, would you come with me?”  We walked to a young woman who got on the plane and sat down in her seat, but is now asleep, breathing, and not easy to wake up.  The attendants are concerned….

The doctor knows inebriation when he sees it, however, and reassures the flight attendant that the passenger has had too much of something, and just to keep an eye on her.

Two weeks later the airline mailed me a box of macadamia chocolates and a $50 gift certificate for my next flight.  Smiley face.