Physicians should recognize that patients’ beliefs may cause them to have non-medical explanations for their illnesses and that shared explanations should be negotiated if treatment plans are to be successful.

An introduction to the Virtual Mentor theme issue for August 2007 on the topic of multiculturalism and medical care.

An argument that physicians who refuse to respond to emergency department calls are acting unprofessionally by declaring, in effect, that their needs are more important than those of their colleagues.

Description of the signs and symptoms of viral meningitis and how to treat it.

A proposal for non-disciplinary physician accountability by means of electronic medical record audits.

Changes in society have led to an evolving role for physicians over the last thirty years.

Conflicts of interest can be managed if physicians use described techniques to place patient interests above their own.

Physicians can maintain a balance between professional and personal obligations by having a well-organized practice and honest communication with patients.

The state medical board has limited ability to regulate rude and insensitive physician speech.

Conflicts of interest can be managed if physicians use described techniques to place patient interests above their own.