Genetic information is redefining what society and the medical profession considers to be normal and what departures from the norm are deserving of medical intervention.

An ethical case explores an emergency physician's refusal to treat an uninsured woman at full term for fear of malpractice.

A medical student illustrates the damaging effects that stereotyping of immigrants has on the availability and receipt of health care and on the medical system itself.

There is a shortage of physicians in rural areas, and since these areas have more poor, elderly, and persons with chronic diseases than other areas, strategies need to be developed to better serve rural populations.

While physicians always had the duty to treat indigent patients, the growing financial pressures of limited resources and limited state support have lead to the current guidelines in the AMA's Code of Medical Ethics on caring for the poor.

A Peace Corps physician working in Africa describes in his latest online journal entry the pay-for-service environment pervasive in Africa and calls for ethical standards of treatment to lessen the differences between the more- and less-fortunate members of society.

David Satcher, the first African American man to hold the title of U.S. Surgeon General, is honored as a role model in medicine for his dedication to eliminating racial and ethnic disparities in health care for the betterment of the entire population.

The current health care delivery system places patients with low health literacy at risk for medical errors.

A physician discusses potential factors underlying disparities in health care and health outcomes and advocates for standards to improve cultural competence, improve health literacy, and reduce disparities.

Physicians need to educate patients about nutrition to counter the plethora of media images that promote poor dietary habits.