As we face the re-shaping of our healthcare system (at least in the northern-central portion of the western hemisphere), I feel it is critical that we include certain real-world aspects of the medical industry into the mechanics of Dwarf Fortress.
Specifically, we should permit those noble who have the societal status to make such claims to place themselves at the front of any medical treatment queue. The leaders of dwarven society, those who have earned their hoarding gold and pulled themselves up by their beard-straps, should be spared the tedious process of "triage" and receive immediate treatment in any situation. They should be allowed to issue offical demands for any sort of treatment, using any material desired for casts, crutches, bandages and stitches. Can we really expect the mountainhome's finest to do without rose gold walking sticks and Giant Cave Spider Silk dressings? The very thought is absurd!
And, of course, they must be allowed to file for malpractice suits. It is a horrid crime, to be considered alongside the breaking of production mandates. Any medical dwarf who would treat a worthless, parasitic hauler or miner before a dignified and deserving member of the nobility should be subject to an immediate hammering.
This would all imply, of course, the creation of a dwarven legal system and bureaucracy. No less than ten percent of the non-noble population of any fortress would be required to run such a system, but it would certainly be more efficient than if we were to simply live in some quasi-fictional commune!
I am sure you all must agree with me, dear friends. For the future of all dwarven kind!