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

Family presence during resuscitation of a child remains controversial and disagreement persists about whether and when potential benefits outweigh risks.

Today’s modern trauma system is a relatively new phenomenon, and trauma surgeons are constantly responding to the changing needs of the populations they serve.

Tattooing offers expanded possibilities for creative expression among women who have undergone mastectomies and breast surgeries.

Postmastectomy breast reconstruction should aim at the appearance of the patient’s native breast (or normal anatomy), although tattooing is also an option.

Medical tourism creates an ethical dilemma for domestic physicians who wish to provide continuity of care but avoid liability in a malpractice suit.

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

Plastic surgeons’ use of patient images on social media should conform to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ advertising and image use guidelines.

Surgeons can have an impact on patients and communities that goes well beyond the operating room. This month on Ethics Talk, we discuss how the concept of "surgical justice" can help plastic surgeons deliver better care topatients and communities.

Antenatal corticosteroids aren’t as effective in reducing neonatal mortality in low-income as high-income regions due to cultural and health care differences.