(Health and Medical Publishing Group (HMPG), 2011-12) Van Schalkwyk, Gerrit; Moodley, Keymanthri
‘Only one rule in medical ethics need concern you – that action on your part which best conserves the interests of your patient.’ Martin H Fischer. Although Fischer’s premise seems perfectly reasonable, the alarming public perception that medical mistakes are commonplace suggests that even this ‘one rule’ is not being followed to the extent that patients are confident that their best interests will be preserved. This article aims to explore this concept from the perspective of a medical student. Rather than offer a comprehensive review of the topic, the focus will be on some rather unusual and possibly controversial views, which aim to highlight the unique constraints and difficulties of the medical profession.