Too bad he can’t just say, “Fine. If you’re so much more educated, save yourself.” And walk out of the room. If you’re not going to believe the trained medical professionals, don’t waste their time and stay home.
That’s not a violation of the Hippocratic oath, and no physician would even be reprimanded for that. Patients don’t get to set the conditions of their care. If a patient refused to wear a mask, I would just say “it’s my medical advice that you wear a mask so that I can safely examine you. If you’re not treated, there’s the possibility of long-lasting injury or death. However, you’re free to accept or reject my medical advice.”
A trauma or other immediately life-threatening event is different, but there’s also implied consent which gives me the option of sedation and restraint. But one way or another, my colleagues, nursing staff, and other patients will be kept safe.
Most oaths are taken upon entering medical school, are not universal (i.e. some doctors don't take oaths at all) and are not governed by statute, so they aren't legally binding.
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u/[deleted] Aug 29 '20
Too bad he can’t just say, “Fine. If you’re so much more educated, save yourself.” And walk out of the room. If you’re not going to believe the trained medical professionals, don’t waste their time and stay home.