Sexual misconduct in the practice of medicine

Article Abstract:

Dating back to the time of Hippocrates, there has been a long-standing agreement within the medical profession that sexual contact between physicians and patients is unethical. Recently, the American Medical Association's Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs reviewed the implications of sexual or romantic involvement between physicians and patients. The incidence of such physician behavior is reported to be between 5 to 10 percent. However, it is believed that this conduct is underreported. Much of the research in this area has involved psychiatrists and their patients, but this behavior problem is clearly not confined to any particular medical specialty. Physicians who become involved sexually with patients may have had a temporary lapse in their ability to handle the emotional content of the therapeutic relationship, or they may be consciously and deliberately exploiting the patient. Ethical considerations include the physician's professional obligation to serve the needs of the patient and the importance of trust in the physician-patient relationship. If a true romantic relationship develops between patient and physician, the physician's minimum duty is to terminate the professional relationship with the patient; even after termination of the professional relationship, a personal relationship may be unethical. Physician education regarding the ethical issues of sexual misconduct should be included throughout all levels of medical training. If a colleague is found to be involved in sexual misconduct, it is important that such behavior be reported to the local medical society, state licensing board, or other authority. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Sexual behavior, Reports, Physicians, Medical professions

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Caring for the poor

Article Abstract:

The Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs of the American Medical Association recommends that all physicians share in caring for the poor and that state, local and medical societies work together to assist physicians in their care of the poor. Historically, private philanthropy provided most of the resources for helping the poor, and churches, public hospitals and charities provided the care. With the Great Depression, the federal government began to play a larger role in providing health care. In the 1960s, that role was expanded with the creation of Medicare and Medicaid. Today, the most significant obstacle the poor face in obtaining medical care is the lack of health insurance. One major consequence of this is that the poor wait until their symptoms are severe and then go to the emergency room for primary and preventive medical care, which increases overall health care expenses, misappropriates scarce resources and results in poor patient outcomes.

Care and treatment, Analysis, Social policy, Poor, Medical ethics

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