While useful in analyzing population trends in relative body weight, BMI possesses multiple shortcomings when used as an individualized health screening tool.
AMA J Ethics. 2023;25(7):E545-549. doi:
10.1001/amajethics.2023.545.
A case that illustrates how Western medicine's body or mind approach to diagnosis and treatment can differ from that of many patients from non-Western cultures.
Luc Aston, a resident, tests positive for tuberculosis. Commentary discusses his ethical responsibility to get treatment. Parveen Parmar, MD, writes that Luc has the privilege of being a physician only so long as he protects the health of his patients.
Jonathan Finkelstein, M.D., writes a clinical case commentary about the ethics of prescribing antibiotics for pediatric patients on parental demand. He explains the physician’s obligation to end inappropriate use of antibiotics through sound prescribing.