How Virtue Ethics Informs Medical Professionalism - Assignment Example

How Virtue Ethics Informs Medical ProfessionalismThe focus of this paper is to address ethical issues that come up when a client asks a doctor that they want a second opinion. In particular the foundation of this paper is, the case study presented of Dr. Z informing Mr. J that he needs surgery and the subsequent response by Mr. J to the doctor that he would like to have a second opinion.To address this case, several questions will be addressed; does a patient have freedom of seeking a second opinion.

In this case, was Mr. J entitled to second opinion? Secondly, did Dr. Z act ethically by telling the patient, that he will not get anything different from the second opinion?From the onset, it is important to understand that doctor have singular duty to care for patients, who need to earn their trust. In this regard, while treating or diagnosing patients the welfare of the patient is a priority. In order for the doctors to earn the essential trust, they should exercise humility while undertaking their duties, knowing to well that patients have trusted them with their lives; trust that must be earned[Geo12].

Throughout the history of health profession practice, patients are given the freedom of seeking a second opinion. As a result of that second opinion, they get confidence. Patients are entitled to make choices regarding their lives and health; and to make those decisions they must have the liberty to make informed choices after consulting the experts they trust. On the same note, doctors and other healthcare givers are privileged whenever patients come to seek for their services. Patients have the choice of picking the doctors of their choice.

On this note, they should be treated with humility and respect that they deserve. From the discussion above, it is clear that patients are at liberty to seek opinions of other doctors as a second opinion (Moeller, et al 2012).The second question is whether Dr. Z acted ethically when told the patient, while in a state of agitation, to seek the second opinion but, did not think that the response would be any different from his. Whereas Dr. Z is human and may be provoked and whereas he felt that he had done the diagnosis well, code of ethics requires restraint from him.

Health professionals are in a demanding industry that requires strict observance of ethical standards[Geo12].One of the most essential ethical requirements in the health profession is humility and restraint, even when provoked by clients. Every professional is expected to disguise their personal feelings and thoughts and only follow the practice set standards and ethics (Mccammon & Brody, 2012). It was therefore unethical for Dr. Z to be agitated when the patient talked of the second opinion.

Furthermore, it was wrong to tell the patient that the opinion would not be any different from his. On the contrary, the doctor was supposed to encourage the patient to go for the second opinion because, it is the patient’s right. As a result of the second opinion the patient is likely to build confidence, more so, as he is likely to undergo surgery.ReferencesMccammon, S. D., & Brody, H. (2012). How virtue ethics informs medical professionalism. HEC Forum, 24(4), 257-72. Moeller, J. R., Albanese, T. H., Garchar, K.

, Aultman, J. M., Radwany, S., & Frate, D. (2012). Functions and outcomes of a clinical medical ethics committee: A review of 100 consults. HEC Forum, 24(2), 99-114.Geo12: , (Pozgar, 2012),