To come on the scene as an ethicist is not only to be a reminder of that need for deliberation about deeply serious issues, but is also to serve as an affirmation of that need and the significance of those issues and the profound feelings they evoke. To serve as an ethicist is to be the occasion for these people patients, families, friends, doctors, nurses, and other providers to undergo the disquiet and hardship of reflection and deliberation.
Situations involving illness or injury are compelling.
All those involved in clinical encounters sooner or later realize that they must think about what one feels is most precious, most hoped for, and most worthwhile in life. When illnesses, serious illnesses, call for hospitalization, life enters another realm. The human beings encountered in this book are made even more genuine by Zaner's intelligence, compassion and by his sense of humor. He is the author of several books, including Ethics and the Clinical Encounter.