Medical Ethics

Ryan Kirdahy
 What is a physician assistant?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBTcp
A7kmIU
 Code of Ethics (PA & Patient)

Nondiscrimination
Informed consent
Confidentiality
Reproductive decision making
End of life
 Code of Ethics (PA & Individual
Professionalism)

Conflict of interest
Professional identity
Competency
Gender discrimination and sexual harassment
 Code of Ethics (PA & Other Professionals)

Team practice
Impairment
PA- physician relationship
Complementary and alternative medicine
 Code of Ethics (PA & Health Care System)

PAs as educators
PAs and research
PAs as expert witnesses
 Code of Ethics (PA & Society)

Lawfulness
Executions
Access to care/ resource allocation
 Example #1

Patient came in symptoms consistent of a sinus infection

PA made an incorrect diagnosis and prescription based off of the illness
Patient developed stroke like symptoms 5 days later, and needed lifesaving
brain surgery
Patient won 3 million dollars in a medical malpractice lawsuit lawsuit
 Example #2
Patient was seen twice for an HPV test (both results were negative)
A medical assistant revealed the patients information and complaints to friends
(who also knew the patient)
Patient found out that her privacy had been violated
Patient sued the practice on the basis that her confidential medical information
had been leaked which affected the way she was viewed at work
This caused her stress and anxiety forcing her on antidepressants and the need
for counseling
The physicians practice was held responsible in the lawsuit and a settlement was
reached between the physician and the patient
Questions?
 Sources

https://www.aapa.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/16-EthicalConduct.pdf
https://www.norcal-group.com/library/patient-confidentiality-
understanding-the-medical-ethics-issues
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2007/11/24/Jury-awards-3-
million-in-malpractice-suit/stories/200711240081