do doctors continue futile treatment? Because, the patient or family request it. Physicians, on the other hand, feel that the strong desire on the part of patients to make autonomous decisions has come with detrimental effects to both physicians and patients. This compelling of physicians to make a futile intervention, based on patient autonomy is in direct conflict with the principles of nonmaleficence, ??First, do no harm?_. In the 5th century BC, Hippocrates cautioned that doctors should strive ??to do away with the sufferings of the sick, to lessen the violence of their diseases, and to refuse to treat those who are overmastered by their diseases, realizing that in such cases medicine is powerless (Tan, Chun & Kim, 2003).?_ A patient??s right to chose or refuse treatment is limited by the physician??s right (or duty) to practice medicine responsibly. When discussing why medical futility treatment is sometimes continued, one could say it may be derived from the historical traditions of medicine. The 'Asklepian' traditional concept of the craft or knowledge of medicine has taken on new meanings with high-tech, evidence based research becoming a source of respect and admiration within medicine. Not to mention it is presented to the public through TV shows that all treatment options are available and should be pursued. Medicine is thus encouraged to extend its expertise towards the hopelessly ill. On the other hand you have the 'Samaritan' strand. It is in the name of Samaritan compassion that futile treatment of the hopelessly ill may