Constructiveness where it counts

I hope that this response to Scofield's paper has accomplished two goals: 1) it helps put to rest unreal discussion of a "profession" of clinical ethics and 2) it helps to focus on the most important issues raised by Scofield upon which action can be taken. It is true that "ethics is everybody's business" and ethicists must restrain their bias when it comes to the decision-making process. But special knowledge and skills are required to nurture the elements of a clinical ethics program, to unite the efforts of its multitalented members, and to relate the literature of a rapidly growing activity in healthcare to practical projects. The issues raised in the constructive parts of Scofield's paper are an excellent point of departure for debate on how best to shape the education, training, and standards of practice for clinical ethics.