This month, Virtual Mentor theme issue editor, Katie Falloon, a medical student at the Duke University School of Medicine, interviewed Dr. Thomas Price about the ethical and regulatory issues associated with assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

This month, Virtual Mentor spoke with Dr. Catherine Belling about the power of diagnosis and how it can change the way we view ourselves, others, and the world around us.

Physicians need to counsel patients about the limitations of genetics test results and what the results mean in terms of a clinical prognosis.

Physicians need to counsel patients about the limitations of genetics test results and what the results mean in terms of a clinical prognosis.

Presymptomatic genetic testing for neurodegenerative diseases can help patients make effective treatment decisions, but the medical profession needs to ensure that the increasing use of the tests is done responsibly.

The possibilities of pre-conception selection of gender and character traits of children pose many moral and ethical questions.

While a physician cannot lie for a surrogate mother, he or she should offer to be by her side in any discussions with the intended parents.

To be best able to respond if third parties in assisted reproduction contracts break their terms, physicians should familiarize themselves with the contracts, encourage all parties to self-disclose, and, failing that, disclose material information to the other party.

Diagnosing a child with borderline signs of Asperger disorder can be a gateway to needed interventions and services and also a label that stigmatizes or influences the child’s development.

There are few situations in which the standard of care is so clear-cut as to preclude physician judgment. Assessing the degree of need (not just the standard of care) when asking a patient to spend money requires judgment.