Ethical forces that shape a career in surgery.
Our profession is based on ethical behavior, which extends far beyond the rule of law. In this Festschrift for Hiram C. Polk, the ethical forces that shape a career in surgery-including their impact on the timely issue of medical errors, truth-telling, and disclosure-are discussed. The philosophical underpinnings (as addressed by Kant and Aristotle, among others) that may guide the surgeon are considered and discussed with particular emphasis on their relevance to the practice of surgery. The roles that courage, self-evaluation, and teaching play in our practices are reviewed as are new initiatives for improved outcomes for our patients-our ultimate professional goal.
Mavroudis
Constantine
C
Division of Cardiovascular-Thoracic Surgery, Children's Memorial Hospital, 2300 Children's Plaza, M/C No. 22, Chicago, IL 60614, USA. cmavroudis@childrensmemorial.org
D002321:Career Choice; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D005260:Female; D013502:General Surgery / Q000941:ethics* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D017749:Total Quality Management; D014342:Truth Disclosure