April R. Christensen, MD, Tara E. Cook, MD, and Robert M. Arnold, MD
Physicians who are uncomfortable with patients’ requests to participate in prayer should pause, listen respectfully, and reflect back their understanding of the request, regardless of whether they pray.
AMA J Ethics. 2018;20(7):E621-629. doi:
10.1001/amajethics.2018.621.
Katelyn G. Bennett, MD and Christian J. Vercler, MD, MA
Plastic surgeons who use patient images for online advertising should ensure informed consent and not exploit the patient-physician relationship for gain.
AMA J Ethics. 2018;20(4):328-335. doi:
10.1001/journalofethics.2018.20.4.ecas1-1804.
Principles of respect for autonomy, beneficence, and nonmaleficence guide trauma-informed care. Care ethics should also support this framework for responding to the health needs of trafficked patients.
AMA J Ethics. 2017;19(1):80-90. doi:
10.1001/journalofethics.2017.19.1.msoc2-1701.
Monitoring surgeons’ capacities over time are rooted in professional duties to protect patients’ safety. Aging surgeons should undergo assessments and be encouraged to stop practicing before their diminished skill becomes too risky.
AMA J Ethics. 2016;18(10):986-992. doi:
10.1001/journalofethics.2016.18.10.ecas2-1610.
Advertising a plastic surgery practice on social media can be ethically fraught, and deceptive online marketing techniques can lead to patients feeling betrayed.
AMA J Ethics. 2018;20(4):372-378. doi:
10.1001/journalofethics.2018.20.4.msoc2-1804.
Andrew M. Courtwright, MA and Mia Wechsler Doron, MTS, MD
A positive right to parenthood obligates others to support a person’s attempt to become a parent. Do physicians have a duty to assist their patients’ procreative efforts, and, if so, in what ways?