Somebody call a real doctor

Re Dr. Marc Siegel’s excellent critique of the television program “House” [“The Unreal World,” Feb. 12]: I have seen three episodes of “House.” These dramas are so unbelievable that I have found myself both laughing out loud and cringing at the same time.

The program creates a false impression about the actual methods used to solve medical dilemmas. Multiple errors are frequently present when depicting procedures. Some constitute true malpractice.

Furthermore, a “go-it-alone maverick” is not the way medicine is practiced, unless you are in a remote community without other physicians for consultation. Even then, patients with complex problems can be referred or transported to higher levels of care. The telephone and telemedicine are available for consultation.

Physicians do not need to be sentimentally portrayed in the Drs. Kildare-Ben Casey traditions. But a physician with a major character disorder, a drug habit and one who never calls in a consultant is hardly an accurate portrayal of real life MDs.

If the writers, directors and producers of this series want to take artistic liberties, a bold disclaimer should be broadcast at the beginning and end of each episode: “Warning: This drama is for entertainment only and does not attempt to depict the realistic practice of medicine.”

STEPHEN BERENS, M.D.

Santa Monica