Albert Einstein famously said, “Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value.” This quote resonates deeply when considering career paths, particularly the often-compared professions of lawyer and doctor. For many, choosing between becoming a lawyer or a doctor feels like selecting between two fundamental pillars of society. But do these professions offer similar value, and how are they perceived differently by the public?
For generations, law and medicine have been presented as the gold standard of professions. Growing up, many are guided towards these paths, sometimes to the exclusion of others. While both offer significant avenues for contributing to society, understanding their nuances, public perception, and inherent value is crucial.
The author, reflecting on personal career choices, humorously recounts how childhood aspirations shifted from a streetcar operator to considering law or medicine. Ultimately, a squeamish disposition led away from medicine and towards law. However, this personal journey opens a broader discussion about the societal esteem afforded to each profession.
Despite the undeniable value lawyers bring to society, a prevailing sentiment often places doctors on a higher pedestal, especially in times of crisis. The immediate reaction to a medical emergency is to call for a doctor, highlighted by the universal emergency number, 911 – you’d never dial it for legal counsel. Of course, legal emergencies exist too, like arrests or contentious divorces, where a lawyer is indispensable. Yet, the instinctive reverence for doctors is palpable and often comes with tangible perks.
Anecdotal accounts suggest doctors frequently receive preferential treatment, such as airline upgrades, simply by identifying themselves and offering their services in case of in-flight medical emergencies. A humorous attempt by the author to leverage their legal profession for similar perks met with a starkly different response, underscoring the perceived value gap. In a mid-air medical incident, the immediate flocking of medical professionals to assist, while the lawyer stands by, pondering their less immediately applicable skills, further illustrates this difference in perceived urgency and value in crisis situations.
Lawyers often face public criticism and misconceptions, notably the question of how they can defend someone they know to be guilty. Doctors, conversely, are generally expected to treat all patients, regardless of their background, embodying the Hippocratic Oath. This contrast reveals a double standard in public expectations. Perhaps, the legal profession could benefit from a similar ethical cornerstone, a “Claudius Oath” perhaps, humorously suggested, to underscore the honorable and conscientious role of lawyers in upholding justice, even when representing unpopular clients.
The title “doctor” itself has transcended the medical field, becoming synonymous with expertise and problem-solving. This is humorously evidenced by businesses adopting names like “Dr. Pipes” or “Dr. Roof,” implying a guaranteed fix for your troubles. This metaphorical use rarely extends to the legal profession; “Henderson, Findlay, Rosenberg and Roofers” simply lacks the same ring and implied authority.
Interestingly, the legal field often shares recognition with clients, landmark cases are remembered by the names of the individuals involved, like the M’Naghten rule or Miranda rights. Doctors, however, often have diseases and conditions named after them – Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Crohn’s, even Salmonella. This naming convention, while honoring medical pioneers, sometimes overshadows the patients’ experiences. While perhaps no one wants to be associated with “Elephant Man disease,” the legal profession’s practice of naming cases after clients arguably humanizes the process and shares the historical significance beyond the professional.
In conclusion, both lawyers and doctors contribute significantly to society, offering distinct yet crucial services. While doctors often receive greater public reverence, particularly in immediate crises, lawyers play an equally vital role in upholding justice, navigating complex legal systems, and advocating for individuals and organizations. Both professions demand dedication, expertise, and a commitment to serving others, even if public perception and immediate societal gratitude differ. Ultimately, choosing between law and medicine should be driven by personal passion and aptitude, recognizing the intrinsic value both professions offer to the world.
See also:
“The curious case of why lawyers are not called ‘doctor’”
Marcel Strigberger, after 40-plus years of practicing civil litigation in the Toronto area, closed his law office and decided to continue to pursue his humor writing and speaking passions. His just-launched book is Boomers, Zoomers and Other Oomers: A Boomer-biased Irreverent Perspective on Aging. For more information, visit MarcelsHumour.com and follow him at @MarcelsHumour on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This column reflects the opinions of the author and not necessarily the views of the ABA Journal—or the American Bar Association.
