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THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD
RELATIONSHIPS AMONG
91 PHYSICIANS
1 Question A
My wife is at the end of her pregnancy. According to the physicians,
the birth will not be easy. There are two hospitals in our area. One
is renowned for its clinical expertise and use of the most up-to-date
technological advancements, but the atmosphere is stressful. By con-
trast, the second hospital does not use all the newest devices and the
physicians are not the greatest experts, but the atmosphere is friendly
and cordial. Which one should I choose?
While we were looking into the Torah view on this question,
Divine Providence sent various medical experts our way. I asked for
their opinion, and here are their responses:
1 Consultant 1
There is a study that indicates that the atmosphere in the intensive
care unit can determine life or death. The study was done in Finland
by Washington University in St. Louis. It shows that the number of
deaths for patients hospitalized in an ICU fraught with friction and
competition between doctors is 30% higher than that of patients with
similar problems who were cared for in hospitals with a warm, friend-
ly atmosphere and a cooperative spirit among the doctors.
In comparing hospitals with different levels of technological exper-
tise, it became clear that in many cases, the friendly and cooperative
202 1 Medical-HalacHic Responsa of Rav ZilbeRstein
should not be a better physician [available]” (Yoreh De’ah, ibid). These #
young physicians who jump at the opportunity to treat patients even
when there are more expert physicians than them available need to
know that the Torah may obligate them to hold back. Nowadays, the
authorities supervise and ensure that not everyone who wants to be
called a physician could come and practice medicine. Any physician
who deviates from standard medical practices is likely to be severely
punished. Therefore, it is okay to use a less experienced physician,
even if there are greater and more expert physicians than he, as long
as he is honest and knowledgeable.

When Providing the Best Treatment Possible
will cause People to think that the Physician is 20818_efi-ab - 20818_park-C_efi-ab | 7 - A | 18-08-20 | 13:46:24 | SR:-- | Magenta
Accepting Bribes #20818_efi-ab - 20818_park-C_efi-ab | 7 - A | 18-08-20 | 13:46:24 | SR:-- | Yellow 20818_efi-ab - 20818_park-C_efi-ab | 7 - A | 18-08-20 | 13:46:24 | SR:--
1 Question
The Director of the Intensive Care Unit in the hospital became in-
volved with the care of a very rich patient. The patient could receive
adequate medical care in a regular unit, but treatment in the intensive
care unit (ICU) would be better. Therefore, the physician wants
to admit the patient into the ICU. He is worried that the medical
staff will think that the reason he kept the patient in his ICU unit
is because he received a bribe from him. He would like to know- Is
it preferable to send the patient to a regular unit, so as not to cause
people to suspect him, or is he obligated to ensure the best care for his
patient despite the suspicions that will be aroused?
1 AnsweR
It says in the Midrash: “The mandrakes gave forth fragrance” -(Shir
Hashirim 7:14), this is Reuven, who rescued Yosef. “And at our doors
all manner of precious fruits”- (ibid), these are the Chanukah lights
Referring Patients to Experts 2 187