I just finished reading an op-ed in the New York Times on whether physicians have a responsibility to treat during a pandemic which I despised so much I will not even cite it.
Nowhere in the op-ed does it mention that physicians are professionals who have sworn an oath that supersedes other obligations, subscribe to a code of ethics, and are granted certain privileges in exchange for their dedication to acting in the public good. Let me answer the question: yes, physicians have an obligation to treat even during a pandemic. Even if they are not getting the support from the government they think they need. Even if they have wives and children and other responsibilities. That’s what they signed on for.
I do not envy physicians and I don’t care to do what they do. I have several physicians in my immediate family and my respect and admiration for them is almost boundless. Not only are they impeccably competent but they are dedicated, capable, and highly ethical. They embody the finest qualities of their profession, combining with competence caring and even nobility.
I wish that all physicians would honor the code of ethics to which they’ve subscribed but I’d be fine with their abandoning their status as professionals and the code of ethics that entails, simultaneously relinquishing the protections they’re afforded. Be careful what you wish for.
Fortunately, my observation is that more physicians are like those in my family than like the cat writing the op-ed in the NYT.
The word is spelled “supersedes.”
Thank you. Corrected.
None of my people are concerned about caring for these patients, as long as they have adequate PPE. Our big problems is that about 20% dont fit N 95s well and the alternative is a PAPR and we dont have many of those. So far we have managed to work around that but when we get swamped it will become an issue.
Steve
Anecdotal, but from a nurse I have known for 30 years, in the heavy hit area where her niece is an EMT they dont take pts suspected of Covid over a certain cutoff age to the hospital anymore. Link goes to discussion of the ethics here.
https://theincidentaleconomist.com/wordpress/who-should-be-saved-first-experts-offer-ethical-guidance/
Steve
There are elected officials and/or civil servants who have sworn to uphold and defend the constitution of the United States. Some of those people, I’m pretty sure, put party over country. Like just in the past two months.
Yes, health care workers are supposed to be better than the rest of us. If only our elected senators were better than the rest of us.