The Story of our Health Message

Doctors Needed

It became obvious that something should be done, if possible, to make a more careful selection of the young men and women who should be encouraged to study medicine. And before entering upon the course, the candidates should understand the difficulties and trials, as well as the more pleasing features, of the physician’s work. Graphically did Mrs. White picture the arduous duties of the physician, who is often deprived of needed rest and sleep, perhaps the victim of “unmerited reproaches,” and “left to stand alone, the subject of Satan’s fiercest temptations, feeling himself misunderstood, betrayed by friends,” and, she continued: SHM 253.1

“Many, knowing how trying are the duties of the physician, and how few opportunities physicians have for release from care, even upon the Sabbath, will not choose this for their lifework. But the great enemy is constantly seeking to destroy the workmanship of God’s hands, and men of culture and intelligence are called upon to combat his cruel power. More of the right kind of men are needed to devote themselves to this profession. Painstaking effort should be made to induce suitable men to qualify themselves for this work.”—Ibid., 446. SHM 253.2

Truly by this time the need for more Christian physicians was imperative. The members of the sanitarium staff were greatly overworked. It was evident that it would be folly to permit such self-sacrificing and competent workers to go on and on unassisted, until they utterly broke down healthwise. Broad plans must be laid for the training of several who might help to bear the burdens in the institution and to be prepared to man other institutions as Providence might open the way for similar medical work elsewhere. SHM 253.3