Medical Ethics Musings: On Caring

By R. Henry Williams, M.D., M.A. Chair, Tennessee CBC Board of Directors

Photo:  “Time of Life” by L. Ian Riley

Recently an elderly, long-time patient was brought to my office by his two daughters, who were upset after a visit with his oncologist.  His multiple myeloma and general condition were such that chemotherapy was no longer being recommended.  The oncologist had suggested that they consider hospice care.  The daughters were shocked.  From their perspective, Dad was not in a state of obvious decline, and he was not in any pain.  They expressed to me a feeling of abandonment, and they were turning to me, his ...read more