title: When a Family Requests a White Doctor.
abstract: Parents sometimes request that a doctor of a particular race or ethnic group not care for their child. Such requests sometimes seem legitimate and other times seem offensive. The difference reflects a clash of fundamental values. Generally, we try to respect patient or parental preferences. Requests based on racist attitudes, however, do not seem worthy of respect. But where should we draw the line? In this ethics rounds, we present a situation in which parents requested a white doctor and analyze the ways in which doctors might think about and respond to such a request.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami, Miami, Florida; and.
authors.forename: Kimberly L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Reynolds
authors.affiliation: Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri.
authors.forename: John D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Cowden
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami, Miami, Florida; and.
authors.forename: Jeffrey P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Brosco
authors.affiliation: Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri jlantos@cmh.edu.
authors.forename: John D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Lantos
mesh_terms: D044383:Black People; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000941:ethics*; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D057240:Patient Preference; D063505:Racism / Q000941:ethics*; D044465:White People