How Should Clinicians' Involvement in the Holocaust Inform Contemporary Responsibilities to Protect Public Safety?

Abstract

This case and commentary explore health professionals' duties to advocate for individual patients, protect their communities, and navigate conflicts between them. The perils of physicians intentionally harming individuals in misguided attempts to strengthen a community have been illuminated by the Holocaust. It is too simplistic to say, however, that public health can never outweigh individual preferences or even needs. The commentary herein articulates criteria that might justify physicians taking action to protect the public that is contrary to their individual patients' interests.