Surgeons must know their clinical strengths and weaknesses in order to improve their skills and increase patient safety.

Palliative surgery can be considered for terminally ill patients with bowel obstruction if the patient is likely to benefit from the surgery.

A surgical patient must be informed if anyone other than the attending physician will take a significant role in the surgery.

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has implemented patient safety initiatives to help decrease the number of medical errors in surgery.

There are many challenges that need to be overcome before a regulating body can be established to oversee surgical procedures and devices.

Reality television programs that focus on cosmetic surgery show misguided viewers that such procedures are the key to emotional health and well-being.

The gap between surgeons' professional idealism and clinical reality is widening because surgeons fail to keep up with the growing demand for evidence-based surgery.

A retired surgeon explains how keeping a journal helped him deal with difficult professional situations and led him to stronger relationships with his patients.

The journal editor introduces a theme issue on medicine and human rights by calling on physicians to speak out against worldwide human rights abuses.

Physicians can take an active role in helping victims of domestic partner abuse receive the medical care and emotional support needed.