Ethics for the surgeon

Guidelines are helpful in analyzing the process of ethical behavior in the surgical arena. In this paper, three guidelines will be considered: Action, Disposition, and Structure. Action deals with the surgeon's conduct relative to ethical principles. Disposition refers to the character of the surgeon; and virtues relevant to character are considered. Structure is the environment in which medical treatment and diagnosis takes place. Relative to these above guidelines, the case of a 79 year old lady with a fractured hip is discussed.