One of the essential qualities of the clinician is interest in humanity, for the secret of the care of the patient is in caring for the patient. Oxford University Press, 1994. These are not just provocative and vexing questions - they impact daily practice and our interactions with patients, staff and colleagues. It is ethical theory with which we are concerned here. Legal precedence in the form of case reports can be brought in to illustrate ethical theory.
Law derives from societal sanctions against nonethical behavior.
The AMA Code of Medical Ethics, previously discussed, is a hybrid combining both ethical and legal principles. The Hippocratic Oath springs from pure ethical thought. The following is an example of the type of case you might discuss at the group session. Your neighbor knocks on your door one snowy winter night and asks for your help. His 6-year old son has woken up screaming with ear pain and has not responded to painkillers.