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Charles Krauthammer's Unethical Behavior

A BUZZFLASH READER COMMENTARY

BuzzFlash Note: This is in reference to Charles Krauthammer's December 5, 2003 column "The Delusional Dean" and other self-referential instances by the right-wing columnist and former psychiatrist.

Perhaps Dr. Krauthammer should read the "Principles of Medical Ethics with Annotations Especially Applicable to Psychiatry" of the American Psychiatric Association:

Section 7

A physician shall recognize a responsibility to participate in activities contributing to an improved community.

Psychiatrists should foster the cooperation of those legitimately concerned with the medical, psychological, social, and legal aspects of mental health and illness. Psychiatrists are encouraged to serve society by advising and consulting with the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches of the government. A psychiatrist should clarify whether he/ she speaks as an individual or as a representative of an organization. Furthermore, psychiatrists should avoid cloaking their public statements with the authority of the profession (e.g., "Psychiatrists know that").

Psychiatrists may interpret and share with the public their expertise in the various psychosocial issues that may affect mental health and illness. Psychiatrists should always be mindful of their separate roles as dedicated citizens and as experts in psychological medicine.

On occasion psychiatrists are asked for an opinion about an individual who is in the light of public attention or who has disclosed information about himself/herself through public media. In such circumstances, a psychiatrist may share with the public his/her expertise about psychiatric issues in general. However, it is unethical for a psychiatrist to offer a professional opinion unless he/she has conducted an examination and has been granted proper authorization for such a statement."

--A Buzzflash Reader

A BUZZFLASH READER COMMENTARY