Mean, abusive, and disruptive behavior among physicians interferes with teamwork and may result in decreased patient safety. Therefore, it must be discouraged through reinforcement of appropriate behavioral norms.
AMA J Ethics. 2015;17(3):215-220. doi:
10.1001/journalofethics.2015.17.3.ecas3-1503.
An adolescent patient with poor social support who has already lost one transplanted kidney due to complications of nonadherence may not automatically be inappropriate to list for a second transplant if he can prove his ability to adhere to the demands of a dialysis regimen.
This case invites us to think about the real and potential risks that surgeons pose to patients. The risk of HIV acquisition from an infected surgeon appears much lower than the risk of nosocomial bacterial infections, even those with lethal potential.
The guidelines for patients’ eligibility for bariatric surgery have not changed since 1991, although recent data suggest there may be indications for broadening application of the surgery.