"...just because he knows the doctor doesn't mean he can talk that way..." said the receptionist, visibly upset. Let's call her Molly.
I was waiting for my turn at a clinic with three patients ahead of me, two of them were senior citizens. Around 1pm, a young man arrived. Let's call him Draco. He approached the reception & demanded to be seen next. "Sir, your appointment was scheduled for 12. Please wait, we have elderly patients waiting. You can go in after them," Molly politely explained. "But I had a 12 pm appointment," he protested. "Sir, you're required to arrive 15 mins before time," she replied matter-of-factly. "I'm a friend of the doctor's son. I know him well. I'm also studying to be a doctor," he declared, trying to influence Molly. He appeared agitated & stared at her. Assessing the situation, Molly told him to take a seat & go next.
After a few mins, he inquired, "This patient has been in there for long, when will he be done?" Molly couldn't provide an answer, she just smiled. Shortly after, Draco went in.
25 mins later, Draco was still inside, while we waited. The doc's cabin wasn't soundproof. We could hear Draco discuss personal non medical matters. It was then that Molly made the comment I quoted. "What kind of doctor will he become with such attitude & arrogance?" she added.
Finally, after 10 mins we heard two golden words which brought us joy. "Thank you" we heard Draco say, indicating he was done. Now if only Thank-yous & Good-byes were reliable indicators. At times people continue even after using them. Another 15 mins passed. I was out of patience. In a loud tone (so that it could be heard inside the doc's cabin), I asked Molly, "He has been in there for 40 mins. Could you check how much longer it will take?" I knew she couldn't do that, so I gestured with my hand, signaling her to stay put.
The trick might have worked. Draco emerged within a couple of mins, glancing around, probably trying to identify the source of the voice. The next patient went in. "Sir, you forgot to pay the fees," Molly said just as Draco was leaving. Draco feigned shock before proceeding to make the payment. "They think they can escape without paying just because they know the doc," Molly smirked after he exited.
The delays didn't stop there. Doc got a personal call that lasted for over 10 mins. The next patient (a 60+ lady already seated inside the cabin) peeped out smiling "It's not me who is keeping him, he is on a personal call. Just so you guys know I am not hogging his time." We all burst into laughter as we very well knew she was right.
Most professionals value their clients' time & experience. Being in high demand shouldn't give one the right to disregard their clients' (often elderly/unwell) time for non-urgent activities that could be done at a later time.
Entitlement is probably a bigger problem today than it ever was. Most of us have likely exhibited behavior similar to Draco or the doc at some point, often without realizing it.
