Miscellaneous

Question 1

Which ethical principle do you deem most important? Why?

Answer 1

Beneficence, the aim of medicine.

• Non-maleficence, often outweighed by how much it benefits patient. E.g. surgery.
• Autonomy, whilst important most the time, it’s not always relevant. E.g. emergency situations and lack of capacity.
• Justice. Vitally important to follow the laws of the land, but principle only as strong as the laws and funding available.

Question 2

What to do if you catch a doctor drinking?

Answer 2

• Begin with small talk about surgery
• Ask if up for it as they look a bit flustered
• Move to probing questions, e.g. saw you do something is everything ok with home/work?
• Suggest takes time off and doesn’t perform surgery
• Go senior if they refuse