Anytown Hospital has an outstanding reputation for surgical services. The operat

Question

Anytown Hospital has an outstanding reputation for surgical services. The operating room supervisor and a surgical nurse told Bob Wright, the CEO, that Dr. Flipton, an anesthesiologist, is abusing the use of anesthesia gases in the hospital’s dental suite. He was reportedly seen by operating staff testing “laughing gas” by holding a mask against his face for short periods of time. This scene would be followed by a string of silly, seemingly meaningless jokes. Bob has repeatedly discussed this matter with the medical executive committee. The medical executive committee refuses to take any action without definitive action by the department chair. Bob suspects that if he pursues the matter further with the governing board, he could end up without a job. The governing body is generally unable to resolve disciplinary actions against a physician without support of the medical executive committee.

Discussion

1. What do you believe the ethical issues are for Bob? For Bob, doing the right thing and survival are competing concerns.

2. Which of the following would you do if you were in Bob’s position, with two children in college and hefty mortgage payments?

•   Voluntarily leave my job

•   Aggressively pursue the problem

•   Secretly enlist the aid of the medical staff

•   Confront Dr. Flipton

•   Other options (explain)

Explanation / Answer

1)

Ethical issues for the Bob is first

2)

If I were in Bob's position even with responsibilities I would have aggressively pursued the problem because it is very difficult to make an outstanding image of the hospital and I would not let it ruin due to lack of support from the committee. If you are legally correct then nothing is going to happen even there is no support.

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