Much premed education encourages acquiring competence in basic science and demonstrating (rather than developing) the characteristics of a good physician.
Many public health officials are calling for mandatory vaccination against smallpox for all emergency medical workers, but the possibility of adverse reactions to the vaccine raises questions of compensation for those injured.
Residents and attending physicians have an ethical responsibility to speak up if there is a concern that a colleague lacks clinical skills and is providing inadequate patient care.
Doctor and parents have conflicting views and wishes in designing treatment plan for an 18-month-old child, critically ill with a rare form of pediatric cancer.
Residents and attending physicians have an ethical responsibility to speak up if there is a concern that a colleague lacks clinical skills and is providing inadequate patient care.
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 use of simulated patients in medical education helps students to develop communication skills needed to interact with patients when difficult circumstances arise.