The Doctor's Dilemma — And Society's Too

Abstract

Young physicians today, as has been the custom since Hippocrates, take an oath on entering the profession to serve singlemindedly as their patient's advocate and only in his or her best interests. No other considerations are to modify this hallowed contract. Only the patient, or the patient's family, and the physician are involved; no other party or parties should intrude. The contract between physician and patient is a private affair and no one else's business. The physician makes the diagnosis and, with the informed consent of the patient, manages the treatment. The patient subsequently pays the physician's fee, and that . . .