Asklepios: ancient hero of medical caring

Article Abstract:

The mythical physician and hero, Asklepios, may have established modern standards of selflessness and caring in physicians. In Greek and Roman mythology, Asklepios was the child of Apollo and Coronis and was central to the culture's expectations of medical practice. The myth of Asklepios may have been more influential than the Hippocratic oath. Homer was the first to tell the myth of Asklepios, the physician, around 900 BC. He was later described as a hero because he served the poor rather than the wealthy. In time, Asklepios was deified and immortalized as a healer-god. The association of Asklepios with care of the poor and lack of regard for risk to himself or getting rich enhanced his popularity and may have contributed to modern expectations of equal access to care.

Behavior, Asklepios (Greek mythology)

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American College of Physicians Ethics Manual, 3rd ed

Article Abstract:

The third edition of the American College of Physicians (ACP) Ethics Manual is presented. It states the physician's primary responsibility is, as always, the patient's care and best interests and includes information on treatment, confidentiality, medical records, consent, financial arrangements, conflicts of interests and advertising. It discusses end-of-life care, who should make the decisions and physician-assisted suicide. It has guidelines for physicians on their role in society and with the law. Issues raised by medical research are also mentioned.

Publishing industry, Study and teaching, Medical ethics, American College of Physicians

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Cutting waste and keeping faith

Article Abstract:

Physicians should try to re-establish the public's faith in the medical profession rather than criticizing Medicare fraud and abuse laws. These laws were passed to ensure that physicians do not overbill the government or bill for services not rendered. It also prohibits kickbacks and referrals to clinics in which the physician has a financial interest. The necessity for these laws is a sign that the public has lost faith in the ability of physicians to act in the patient's best interest.

Editorial, Laws, regulations and rules, Medicare fraud

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