title: The neurocognitive enhancement of surgeons: an ethical perspective.
abstract: Neurocognitive enhancement is a rapidly expanding scientific field. The vast ethical implications of this developing field for surgical practice have yet to be considered within the literature. This article outlines the reasons surgeons may, in the near future, consider using neurocognitive enhancement and addresses the resulting significant ethical implications of this. We do not seek to support or denounce the potential role of neurocognitive enhancement in surgeons, but to stimulate a debate, which, with ever-increasing levels of stimulant use in schools and colleges, and with a pharmaceutical industry driving the creation of new neuroactive products, has now become a necessity.
authors.affiliation: Surgical Cognition and Neuro-Imaging Group, Department of BioSurgery and Surgical Technology, Imperial College London, St. Mary's Hospital, London, United Kingdom. o.warren@imperial.ac.uk
authors.forename: Oliver J
authors.initials: OJ
authors.lastname: Warren
authors.forename: Daniel R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Leff
authors.forename: Thanos
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Athanasiou
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kennard
authors.forename: Ara
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Darzi
mesh_terms: D002605:Character; D003068:Coercion; D005610:Freedom; D006801:Humans; D007206:Individuality; D028723:Personhood; D010820:Physicians / Q000941:ethics* / Q000523:psychology; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013043:Specialties, Surgical / Q000941:ethics*
chemical_list: D011619:Psychotropic Drugs