Patients’ rights to evidence-based standard of care should not be compromised for patients who are incarcerated.

Patients who are incarcerated lack timely access to safe, quality surgical care.

This article considers AMA Code of Medical Ethics’ opinions relevant to the care of patients who are incarcerated.

Incarceration history adds to the clinical and ethical complexity of surgical care for patients who require an ostomy, especially when secondary to trauma.

This manuscript distinguishes between constructive regret and destructive regret, which can lead to emotional withdrawal and impaired decision-making.

This article examines use of the US Food and Drug Administration’s expanded access pathway to permit cardiac xenotransplants.

Expressing regret to patients requires transparent and honest communication but can leave surgeons vulnerable.

As more students, trainees, and clinicians engage in acts of professional resistance, professional accountability is needed when such acts influence patient care.

Surgeons’ regret experiences arising from factors beyond their control might mean that organizations need to step up and help.

This article considers how the AMA Code of Medical Ethics can support physicians while they cope with regret about a patient’s poor outcome.