Many of those who agree with Mr. Buchanan can be found among younger physicians. Dr. Kristin Moy, attending anesthesiologist at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, has recently completed her residency. She believes that complete openness is very important with her patients. I tell patients the whole truth about risks, but compare it with something like the dangers of driving a car every day. This puts it into perspective.
Effectiveness depends on the understanding of the patient and how well the doctor communicates.
It's always good to have the patient's input, and to have them understand what's going on. She admits that when patients do not respect her expertise, it can be frustrating, but it is something with which every doctor must deal. Dr. Henry Chang, currently the Chief Resident at the University of Minnesota Hospital, disagrees somewhat with Dr. Moy's point of view. One can find those qualities in older doctors too. Medicine has been a profession that prides itself on being ethical and truthful.