Limits to Professionalism

Orac is discussing a recent report that some doctors are refusing to discuss options they regard as unethical. Some people object to that.

I strongly disagree with the theory that physicians must discuss all effective treatment options. For example, if I were a physician, I would be dubious about recommending that patients get organ transplants in an area where executed criminals are used as a source of parts. (I've discussed this before.)

On the other hand, I agree that moral principles should be disclosed in advance. I think there was something called “The Hippocratic Oath” that was supposed to do that …