AMA Journal of Ethics theme editor Amanda Xi, MD, a transitional year resident at Henry Ford Hospital, interviewed Donald M. Berwick, MD, shortly before the Supreme Court’s decision in King versus Burwell.

In clinical settings, chaplains are key communicators who help mediate between patients, families, and the medical team. This month on Ethics Talk, we explore how chaplains help patients and families articulate their goals and navigate logistical and emotional challenges that arise in the hospital.

This month, Virtual Mentor spoke with Dr. Alex Ding and Mr. Jordan VanLare, a fourth-year medical student at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, about their impressions of health reform and how it will impact the medical practice environment they will soon enter.

Eva V. Regel joins Ethics Talk to discuss her article: “How Should Clinicians Help Homeless Trauma Survivors Make Irreversible Surgical Care Decisions?”

Disclosure of resident involvement in procedures should be integral to informed consent to ensure patient understanding and voluntary decision making.

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

Health care reform expanded health insurance to millions, but current community benefit policies must be used by organizations hoping to address social determinants.

Changes to CB tax policy could promote engagement with public health departments, collaboration with community-based nonprofits, and greater focus on health equity.

Where people live and work influences how long and how well they live. Supporting community investments can diminish risk, improve outcomes, and reduce costs.

Ethical stakes include a psychiatrist’s care management responsibilities and burdens borne by family members over the course of the patient’s care.