Sex in the MD's Office

Abstract

A case study explores the dilemma of a doctor confronted with a colleague's serious violation of professional norms. Dr. Jones, a psychiatrist, learns from a patient that she voluntarily is sexually involved with her internist, who has threatened to harm her if she takes action against him. Though distraught and suicidal, the woman insists on protecting the internist, and Jones must decide on his own what course to take. Shapiro, a psychiatrist, points out in her commentary that Jones's actions depend on those of his patient, to whom he has obligations of confidentiality. He also has moral and fraternal obligations toward his collegague that may involve contacting an impaired physicians committee. Morrow, a sociologist, aruges that Jones is morally and legally obligated to intervene to protect patients and the integrity of the medical profession. This intervention should probably take the form of notifying an agency that investigates problem doctors. (KIE abstract)