Kevinmd iconKevinmdSep 14, 2026

Medical ethics principles do not decide hard cases

"I know the treatment probably won't work," a patient nearing the end of life tells the doctor. "I want to try anyway." The patient understands the risks but still hopes for a little more time.

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"I know the treatment probably won't work," a patient nearing the end of life tells the doctor.

"I want to try anyway." The patient understands the risks but still hopes for a little more time.

The physician wants to honor that hope while worrying that side effects could make the patient's remaining days more painful.

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"I know the treatment probably won't work," a patient nearing the end of life tells the doctor. "I want to try anyway." The patient understands the risks but still hopes for a little more time. The physician wants to honor that hope while worrying that side effects could make the patient's remaining days more painful.

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  • Read more… Medical ethics principles do not decide hard cases originally appeared in KevinMD.com.

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