Physicians in Public Roles
When does medicine’s social contract with society require an ethical physician to take a public role in advocating for the health of his or her community? Conversely, are there times when this is inappropriate or ought to be avoided? If physicians take public roles, what ethical values should guide their public involvement? These questions are of crucial importance for 2 reasons: the public realm is increasingly influencing the individual patient-physician encounter, and physicians are uniquely equipped to advise their communities on pressing public health issues.