Articles

Surgeons have important legal and ethical obligations to patients who are incarcerated and accompanied by carceral facility personnel.

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

Most surgical inpatients who are incarcerated are not permitted to have visitors while hospitalized.

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

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

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

Some regret experiences stem from incomplete communications or miscommunications about options, expectations, or prognoses.

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

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

Navigating regret experiences with support from mentors and peers is essential for surgeon well-being, a healthy surgical culture, and optimal patient care.