1. Identify the dilemma (right vs right) in Grey's Anatomy: Season 2, Episode 27
"Losing My Religion":
In this episode, a significant right vs. right medical dilemma occurs. Dr. Preston Burke is shot
and needs immediate surgery. The dilemma centers around the conflict between two important
principles in medical ethics – beneficence and non-maleficence. The right vs. right situation is
whether to operate on Dr. Burke despite the potential harm or to wait and provide better care,
which might be too late.
2. Name stakeholders in the situation:
1. Dr. Preston Burke: The patient in need of surgery.
2. Dr. Miranda Bailey: The surgeon responsible for making the decision.
3. Dr. Derek Shepherd: Another surgeon who offers assistance.
4. Dr. Cristina Yang: Dr. Burke's significant other and a member of the medical team.
3. Elaborate on one side of the dilemma:
Right side #1: The proponents of immediate surgery (Beneficence)
Dr. Miranda Bailey and Dr. Derek Shepherd advocate for performing immediate surgery on Dr.
Burke. They argue that this is the most beneficial course of action to save his life. Their proposal
is to go into surgery as soon as possible to address the gunshot wound, even though the
conditions are less than ideal.
4. Elaborate on the other side:
Right side #2: The proponents of delayed surgery (Non-maleficence)
Dr. Cristina Yang is on the other side of the dilemma. She is against the idea of immediate
surgery. She believes that waiting for the appropriate conditions in the operating room, despite
the time it takes, would ensure a safer surgery with less risk of complications. She is concerned
about the potential harm that could come from rushing into surgery.
5. Which side do you agree with as being the right, most ethical decision for this
dilemma?
In this particular case, I would lean towards the side of immediate surgery (Right side #1). While
it is important to consider non-maleficence and avoid potential harm to the patient, the critical
condition of Dr. Burke makes immediate surgery necessary. The primary duty of the medical
team is to save lives, and delaying surgery might put Dr. Burke's life at greater risk. However,
this decision is made in an emergency situation, and the ethical principles need to be applied
carefully to avoid unnecessary harm. In this context, immediate surgery aligns more with the
principle of beneficence, as it aims to maximize the benefit for the patient by saving his life.