This scenario was adapted from "Clinical Ethics Casebook" by Peter Horn, professor of philosophy at Capital University in Columbus. The situation is hypothetical, yet drawn from real experiences. What would you choose? The choices you make will reflect your personal value systems and ethical standards.

You have a private practice in endocrinology. As a private practitioner, you are free to accept or refuse anyone as a patient. You not only make sure that potential patients have medical needs that you can treat, but that they also can pay for your services.

Mr. Smith has a thyroid condition and should be assessed and treated by an endocrinologist. He works at a low-paying job that does not provide health insurance coverage. In Mr. Smith's geographical area, you are the only endocrinologist.

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