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The debate of medical competence and results goes back a long time...

From the Code of Hammurabi (ca 1790 BC) (source : wiki and
http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/MESO/CODE.HTM) :

"If a physician heal the broken bone or diseased soft part of a man,
the patient shall pay the physician five shekels in money."

"If a physician make a large incision with an operating knife and cure
it, or if he open a tumor (over the eye) with an operating knife, and
saves the eye, he shall receive ten shekels in money."

"If a physician make a large incision with the operating knife, and
kill him, or open a tumor with the operating knife, and cut out the
eye, his hands shall be cut off."

"If during an unsuccessful operation a patient dies, the arm of the
surgeon must be cut off."

"If a veterinary surgeon perform a serious operation on an ass or an
ox, and cure it, the owner shall pay the surgeon one-sixth of a shekel
as a fee."

"If he perform a serious operation on an ass or ox, and kill it, he
shall pay the owner one-fourth of its value. "