A review of a landmark case that determined why and under what circumstances antipsychotic medications can be administered to incarcerated patients with mental illness against their will.

Trauma care presumes informed consent for treatment, but resident supervision is required within a training structure of graduated responsibility.

A guardian’s request to sterilize a woman with intellectual disabilities is not ethically justifiable unless the woman assents and it is to her benefit.

Research on experiences of practicing physicians who have disabilities could help medical schools counsel applicants and increase enrollment among students with disabilities. This can ultimately improve care for patients with disabilities.

A patient’s refusal of tracheostomy during an anticipated difficult intubation prompts critical questions about how to best express respect for a pediatric patient’s autonomy and whether and when deviation from standard of care is clinically and ethically appropriate.

Expanding the numbers of physicians with disabilities would facilitate patient-centered care for those who need similar accommodations.

Patients can refuse medical treatment, but physicians often question the patients' ability to make a responsible decision in a time of medical need.

The teach-to-goal method should be used to assess comprehension of incarcerated patients and other vulnerable groups during the informed consent process.