Physicians now practice in the era of patient autonomy. Most agree that the era of medical paternalism should not be resurrected. During those days, doctors simply told patients what to do, and patients complied. The informed consent process then was a shadow of what it should have been. In general, physicians did not proffer medical options and alternatives for patients to ponder over. They were told, ‘you need a hysterectomy’. Sometimes, I think we physicians today have over-corrected for past arrogance. Yes, I believe in informing patients, but I often wonder if many patients today really only want us to tell them which path they should pursue. Even the most informed patients are not medical professionals who can grasp every medical nuance or ramification of a decision. It can be vexing for them to choose among different medical options that are presented to them in an effort to meet our obligation to apprise patients of all reasonable treatment alternatives. Conside
MD Whistleblower presents vignettes and commentaries on the medical profession. We peek 'behind the medical curtain' and deliver candor and controversy in every post.