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74 : Śramana, Vol 57, No. 2/April-June 2006
the three levels, physical, mental and social. (Caraka, (1: 41). Qualities of a Good Physician
According to Suśruta, the great ancient Indian surgeon, a medical graduate must meet the following standards for starting his practice. He must have learnt and mastered both the theory and practice of the art of healing, and must have obtained permission from the governing authority. He must wear clean white dress, which should not be ostentatious. He must remain clean shaven and tie his hair in a knot. He must be cheerful, noble, large hearted, well behaved, polite and friendly towards all creatures. While walking along the road he should proceed forward looking ahead, far and wide. On meeting others he must accost them first. He must always speak clearly without ambiguity and doubts, sweetly and ingenuously in a simple and ethical tone, avoiding controversies, and in accordance with the law of dharma.
Kalyāņa Kāraka lays down further qualifications of a physician. He must be a speaker of truth, a man of courage endowed with patience, blessed with a lucky hand that has achieved many cures, one who has witnessed and practised notable methods of treatment, and be one who does not get upset under any adverse circumstances. (7: 38). Caraka advises the physician to carefully assess his ability to treat a particular case before taking it up. (Caraka, 8: 86). This precaution is important, specially in the beginning of the career of the fresh graduate, not only for the patient, but also for the reputation of the physician.
According to Caraka, vast knowledge of medicine, extensive practical experience, dexterity, and purity are the four qualifications of a physician. (9:6). A reputation as unfailing in prescribing appropriate medicines is another qualification. One who possesses the fourfold knowledge regarding cause, diagnosis, cure and prevention of diseases is fit to be appointed a royal physician, (9 :19). The effectiveness of medical knowledge (like any instrument or weapon) to a large extent depends upon the person who handles
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