Doing Right

Book excerpt: Traditionally, the knowledge needed by physicians has consisted largely of medical science. But in recent years ethical questions have been looming ever larger in everyday clinical practice. Doing Right is a practical guide to decision making in those situations. Using dozens of real cases,it analyzes the most common ethical problems encountered by physicians and medical trainees.The many topics covered include truthtelling, refusal of treatment, confidentiality, rationing of health care, parents' refusal of treatment for their children, living wills, the ethics of medical research, and assisted suicide.Written simply and concisely with little philosophical or legal jargon, Doing Right should be essential reading for medical students, residents, and practising physicians. For those who teach bioethics, it will be welcome as a practical and readable textbook.