Doctors and Dying

The journal reveals a new look and feel to Virtual Mentor’s Web site in this 2.0 version, along with several new features and educational resources.

The editor welcomes readers to version 2.0 of the journal by reflecting on how the medical profession has been shaped by the ethical values and conduct of physicians who came before.

An ethical case explores whether it's appropriate for a dermatologist to sell her own line of skin products directly to her patients.

Readers are referred to an article by Neil Farber et al in the Archives of Internal Medicine to discuss whether it is appropriate for physicians to administer lethal injections for capital punishment when medical society policies forbid physician participation.

Physicians need to be aware of the legal and ethical issues raised by genetic information and technology, as evidenced by three court rulings dealing with prenatal testing and a family predisposition to genetic genetically transferred illness.

A new feature called Historical Postmortem launches with a look at Rembrandt's famous 1632 painting called the Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Tulip.

The journal recognizes Nov. 16 as the American Cancer Society's 24th annual Great American Smoke Out with a 19th century image conveying the ill effects from the use of tobacco products.

A physician in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of California, Davis, debuts an online journal detailing his experiences as an area medical officer in Eastern Africa for the U.S. Peace Corps.

When patients voice their most intimate thoughts, feelings, and reactions, much can be learned.

David R. Block, a first-year medical student at the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, reflects on his first day of gross anatomy and what it means to embark on a medical education.

Physicians play an important role in initiating and guiding advance care planning in order to understand their patients' end-of-life needs and preferences.

Little-known medical trivia.

Vignettes of three real patients who face end-of-life decisions, excerpted from a four-part television series on PBS.

Gary LeRoy, medical director of the East Dayton Health Center in Dayton, Ohio, is recognized with the Virtual Mentor Award for his commitment to the physical and social health of his community.