This is a TV ad from 1949 that made me laugh. Especially where they ask, “What cigarette do you smoke, Doctor?”
In 2000, only 3% of doctors surveyed said they smoked cigarettes, 4% said they smoked cigars, 1% said they smoked a pipe, and 92% said they do not smoke at all.
General surgeons are the biggest smokers in our survey. More than 6 percent smoke cigarettes, while another 6 percent smoke either cigars or pipes. The highest cigar use was among ob/gyns—7 percent. Pediatricians and internists smoke the least.
Only 23% of the general public smoke cigarettes, according to the same survey.
Not surprising. When elevator doors are sliding closed as one moves to get on, internists and pediatricians will do as most people will – stop the doors with their hands. Surgeons, of course, will use their heads. For them, the brain is a much less valuable appendage. I think these statistics reflect that. 😉
Knight — I understand why doctors stopped smoking cigarettes, but can you explain why they stopped making house calls? I would think it would be better for the patients — especially children — if they didn’t have to go out and sit in a waiting room with a bunch of other sick people. Just think of all the germs in the air that patients are forced to breathe while they’re waiting…. I think you know where I’m going with this…. 🙂