What is the author's purpose in stating in the opening lines that “Medicine is No Sinecure”?

Answer this question based on the following passage.

The profession of medicine is no sinecure;
            its labors are constant, its toils unremitting,
            its cares unceasing. The physician is
            expected to meet the grim monster, "break
(5)        the jaws of death, and pluck the spoil out of
            his teeth." His ear is ever attentive to entreaty,
            and within his faithful breast are concealed the
            disclosures of the suffering. Success may elate
            him, as conquest flushes the victor. Honors are
(10)     lavished upon the brave soldiers who, in the
            struggle with the foe, have covered themselves
            with glory, and returned victorious from the field
            of battle; but how much more brilliant is the
            achievement of those who overwhelm disease,
(15)      that common enemy of mankind, whose victims
            are numbered by millions! Is it meritorious in the
            physician to modestly veil his discoveries,
            regardless of their importance? If he have light,
            why hide it from the world? Truth should be
(20)      made as universal and health-giving as
            sunlight. We say, give light to all who are in
            darkness, and a remedy to the afflicted
            everywhere.

Question

Multiple choice

To compare the profession of medicine with the professions that require every thing, but labor.
To ponder upon the qualities that a man who professes medicine requires.
To explicate the idiosyncrasies that a medico requires to practice.

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Accepted Answer

To expound why a medico's work is not muscle-free and requires much effort.

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