I share with you a personal reflection about the series “Dr. Death” (also known as “Dr. Death”).
The series “Dr. Death” in its first season highlights how economic ambition prevails over professional ethics in the field of health in the United States.
In my opinion, entrepreneurial ambition affects professional practice in all disciplines.
This series, based on real events, tells the story of American neurosurgeon Christopher Duntsch. Joshua Jackson plays Duntsch, who was an up-and-comer in the Dallas medical community. However, his path took a dark turn as he irreversibly mutilated his patients and caused the death of two of them.
Through the plot, it is evident how individuals without the ideal skills to practice surgery obtain licenses in several States due to the economic interests of businessmen in the medical sector.
As stated in the series, this phenomenon will persist.
Before entering into the subject, for a better understanding of the topic I am dealing with, I must put three concepts on the table. Neurodiversity, neurotypical and neurodivergent
- Neurodiversity: Refers to natural variability in brain functioning and neurological differences between people. Recognize that there is no standard brain “wiring” and value diversity of skills and perspectives.
- Neurotypical: Describes people whose brain functioning conforms to prevailing social and cognitive norms. They are those who live without atypical neurological conditions.
- Neurodivergent: Refers to people with neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia or mood disorders, among other diagnoses. These differences are not pathologies, but part of the richness of human neurodiversity.
The main character is neurodivergent, and an incompetent professional, it is relevant to note that this could also have happened with a neurotypical person.
The reality of this doctor brings up the question of the rights of neurodivergent people to their integral human development and the necessary and obligatory professional efficiency.
It is crucial to remember that not all nuerodivergent people are optimal at everything, just like neurotypicals.
No person is efficient in all disciplines of knowledge.
We must avoid the prejudices that limit the full development of non-divergent people in higher education, in any training and work environment.
In this context, it is essential to find a balance between ensuring the rights of neuro-divergent people while maintaining safety and effectiveness in all professions.
Especially those where a failure could end someone’s life.
Being neurodivergent does not mean being mediocre or lacking ethical principles.
It is crucial to be aware, to have control over our skills and projects, as well as to act responsibly.
By fighting for our adaptive spaces and tools, we defend the right to an education designed for our specific learning needs.
However, we must also accept that wanting something does not always equal being able to do it. Ethics must be the guide in our educational process.
My dedication to neurodivergence research runs deep.
As a journalist and communicator, my goal is to contribute with significant contributions that promote the full development of neuro-divergent people.
Every day I am faced with new topics of debate and doubts. My hope is that every small contribution generates a positive impact.
Duntsch’s story is alarming and invites us to reflect on responsibility and ethics in medicine.
In all professional disciplines
Currently, we have inspiring examples. I take this opportunity to talk to you about someone I deeply admire for representing a triumph for social justice and human rights, especially for feminism and neuro-divergent people.
I am referring to Mar Galcerán, the first representative with Down syndrome. As a member of the Popular Party, Mar made history by being the first person and woman with Down syndrome to be elected deputy to a regional parliament in Europe.
He represents a seat in the parliament of the Valencian Community and his mission is to transform the perception of people with different abilities.
The Spanish representative with Down syndrome is an example that each individual is unique and has different abilities.
Inclusion and respect must be our north, regardless of whether we are neurotypical or neuro atypical.
We must fight for our rights, but also be responsible when exercising them to contribute to a just society, something essential in these postmodern times that demand our integrity.
In an era where we coexist with human stupidity and artificial intelligence, we have the ethical duty to reaffirm ourselves as a species as people of integrity.
I can’t hide how difficult it has been for me to openly recognize myself as neurodivergent.
We live in a world where human rights, unfortunately, remain a privilege rather than a norm.
From the moment I identified myself and began to better understand my life, my activism took on a new meaning.
I realized that issues related to cognition are as political and social as those of class, race, or gender. So I decided to bare my own struggles to stop feeling miserable. Here I am now, facing difficulties but maintaining my intellectual dignity.
Talking about neurodivergence has become a crucial part of my commitment to social transformations.
I observed people much younger than me grappling with academic demands that did not align with their cognitive abilities. This happened in both private and public educational institutions.
Despite the difficulties, I achieved “the miracle” of accessing higher education, despite coming from a situation of extreme poverty and being the daughter of domestic violence.
It took me more than two decades to achieve it.
I share my story not to seek pity, but to shed light on the conditions that perpetuate inequality and deny fundamental rights.
To conclude, I recommend watching the series. The first season, which focuses on Duntsch’s life, offers valuable lessons about neurodivergence and medical ethics. Sometimes, stories move us and motivate us to fight for a more just and supportive world.
