title: When is the physician "Playing God"?
abstract: In the author's opinion, the medical profession is committed to the preservation and prolongation of life through use of all ordinary remedies, but is not obliged ethically or morally to apply extraordinary measures when there is no realistic hope of recovery. In addition to the proper medical therapy, the care given during the dying phase of life by the physician includes the responsibility of deciding whether the geriatric patient should be allowed to die in a dignified manner. The question of who should bear this responsibility is discussed.
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D007883:Legislation, Medical; D010166:Palliative Care; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D014481:United States