The communication gulf is not only one of language, but also one of culture, understood broadly. And, despite the priority of medical concerns, every effort should be made to obtain consent consistent with appropriate care.

The AMA Code of Medical Ethics’ opinion on cultural sensitivity and ethnic disparities in care.

Sickness may be a place, but in the twenty-first century it may be a place where there is company and people can follow, a less isolated place.

Perhaps the most unfamiliar, alienating experience of all is that of being sick. Many, in fact, have written that “sickness is a place.”

When communicating with patients with whom they do not share the same first language or ethnic background, physicians should be aware of possible prejudice or resistance on the part of the patient and do everything possible to assure that the patient can listen and participate effectively, even if that means adding another professional of the patient's ethnicity to the conversation.

Cultural sensitivity training, language assistance, and diversity-oriented hiring policies can help medical organizations integrate immigrants into the American health care system.

High-performing doctors willing to work to alleviate the shortage of medical care in the United States should be encouraged to do so, not prevented because of their countries of origin.

Instead of succumbing to the urge to portray cultural differences as a dichotomy between clashing opposites, we should endeavor to note our common humanity, acknowledge the plurality of viewpoints within a given culture, and appreciate that cultures can evolve without being untrue to themselves.

Informing patients about organ donation fulfills the physician's ethical duties of beneficence, respect for autonomy, and justice. Moreover, the social contract between doctors and the public compels physicians to act in a way that promotes all persons' chances for a healthy life.

The American Society of Transplant Surgeons offers web-based educational modules and public discussions to promote exploration of ethical issues in the field.