Beneficence in medicine: a call to heroism
Freeman, J.W.
South Dakota Journal of Medicine 43(4): 5-8
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0038-3317 PMID: 2336564 Document Number: 351812
This article analyzes the physician's role from the perspective of medical ethics, with emphasis on the principle of beneficence. The concept is advanced that the physician has an implicit contract with society, which obligates dedication to the patient's good. The essence of being a physician is seen to reside in an orientation to service.