Ethical issues

Abstract

Ethical behavior transcends legal implications, and represents the level of professionalism, humanity and morality a physician should possess in order to address his/her patient's care.If a physician upholds his/her ethical responsibility to a higher standard than a legal obligation, the patient's best interests may be addressed.The Hippocratic Oath may not address specific ethical problems unique to the utility of lasers, therefore many professional associations have devised tenets to follow.The simple acronym, E-T-H-I-C-A-L may help guide a physician to uphold the highest ethical standard when performing a laser procedure.Financial gain may entice a physician to not optimize care for a patient.It is ethical for a physician to remain honest about their experience and training.Full disclosure of pertinent information to the patient may be sensible so he/she may remain the autonomous decision-maker without physician biases.