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To the Editor: Mr Dana and Dr Loewenstein¹ focused their commentary on self-serving bias, which is always a factor in human decision-making, including the decisions of physicians. However, physicians' professional obligation to place their patients' interests above their own should not be overlooked, because it lies at the root of medical ethics and professionalism. To care for patients, for example, physicians often must set aside some personal interests—such as leisure and time spent with family and friends—throughout their careers. Similarly, while physicians expect fair compensation for their services, they also pledge to provide care on the basis of their patients' needs and not to profit unduly from their patients' conditions.

The ethical policy of the American Medical Association (AMA) concerning gifts to physicians from industry² emphasizes that any gifts accepted by physicians individually should primarily entail a benefit to patients. This spirit of dedication to patient welfare and professional integrity . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Michael S. Goldrich, MD
Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs
American Medical Association
Chicago, Ill

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