Question
Dear Gramps,
Once when my mom was really sick, and our family was short on money, my dad called up a new member of our ward who was a medical doctor, and asked him if he could write her a prescription. This new brother became angry and told my dad to take her to the emergency room at the hospital and to never call him again. My dad was hurt. Is it wrong to seek the help of church members who are trained in a particular profession? I thought we were under covenant to use our talents?
Robert
Answer
Robert,
I imagine this was hurtful and embarrassing for your mom and dad, and I am sorry about that.
We have been asked to share and use our talents to benefit others, but we should also remember that the Savior said, “The laborer is worthy of his hire.” There are many talents such as being a doctor, that require not only time and effort, but significant financial sacrifices to develop. It is reasonable that those in that position would ask for compensation. It is also possible that had you asked someone else, they would have been happy to assist your mother. It is an individual thing.
Another thing to keep in mind. Doctors in some states are subject to intense record-keeping requirements. You can’t just write a prescription, give it to Brother Jones, and have done with it–there are reports to be written and filed. Moreover, any reasonably cautious doctor is going to be very careful about prescribing anything without full access to your medical records and knowledge of what you’re already taking. Unfortunately this becomes the tactic of doctor-shopping drug addicts.
So while yes, we are to share our talents, they also have to fall within the guidelines of law as well.
Gramps
