NCJ Number
63972
Journal
Deviance et societe Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: (JUNE 1979) Pages: 161-168
Date Published
1979
Length
8 pages
Annotation
THE ROLE OF PHYSICIANS IN PRISON SETTINGS IS EXPLORED.
Abstract
THIS ROLE IS DETERMINED BY THE PRISON SITUATION RATHER THAN BY FACTORS SUCH AS AGE OR BY SPECIALTIES; THE PHYSICIAN'S OBLIGATIONS AND RIGHTS ARE DEFINED BY THE CODE OF PENAL PROCEDURE. THE PRISON PHYSICIAN IS RESPONSIBLE FOR INMATE CARE AND FOR PREVENTION OF SUCH DISEASES AS TUBERCULOSIS AND SYPHILIS, FOR TREATMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESSES IN CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS, FOR GENERAL HYGIENE THROUGHOUT THE PRISON, AND FOR MEDICOLEGAL PAPERWORK IN SUCH MATTERS AS GRANTING CERTIFICATES OF HEALTH FOR PRISONERS. THE PHYSICIAN RUNS THE DANGER OF BEING OVERTAXED BY THE WIDE DIVERSITY OF RESPONSIBILITIES. HE IS PLACED BETWEEN PRISONERS AND ADMINISTRATION: THE ADMINISTRATION GIVES HIM THE MEDICAL POWER TO CLASSIFY INMATES AS SICK OR HEALTHY, AND HE MUST DETERMINE WHAT IS NOT CONDUCIVE TO GOOD HEALTH (E.G., PLACEMENT IN ISOLATION). THE MOST DIFFICULT TASKS OF THE PHYSICIAN ARE DEMYSTIFYING PRISON LIFE IN CONTACTS WITH INDIVIDUALS ON THE OUTSIDE AND REINTRODUCING THE CONCEPT OF INDIVIDUALITY AND DIFFERENCE INTO LIVES WHICH ARE CONTROLLED IN EVERY DETAIL. IN A PRISON WORLD OF NONLAWS WHERE NEITHER INMATES NOR CORRECTIONS OFFICERS COMMUNICATE, THE PHYSICIAN MUST HAVE THE PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AND SENSITIVITY TO RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF CONFLICTS. --IN FRENCH. (KMD)