Robert C. Osburne, MD
To the Editors: Dr. Sulmasy's article "Physicians, Cost Control, and Ethics" (1) is an interesting analysis of the complicated situation of today's physicians. He contends that it is immoral for physicians to assist in the allocation of resources in the care of patients. I think physicians have two professional imperatives, first to eliminate disease and suffering and second to work for the overall good of society. The divergence of these moral imperatives may result in what the author calls a "moral stress test," but this burden of stress must be borne as a professional responsibility.
The author would also have
Osburne RC. Physicians and Cost Control. Ann Intern Med. ;117:1059–1060. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-117-12-1059_2
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Published: Ann Intern Med. 1992;117(12):1059-1060.
DOI: 10.7326/0003-4819-117-12-1059_2