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Gary W. Small, MD
UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute Los Angeles

JAMA. 1985;253(18):2645.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text PDF and any section headings.

To the Editor.—

THE JOURNAL has reviewed a variety of topics on medical ethics, yet the authors and editors have neglected one important problem—elevator consultations among clinicians. No medical setting is immune, and large university hospitals are particularly prone to the phenomenon. How many times has each of us overheard discussions about "the gallbladder in room 286" or that "gomer in the emergency room," within earshot of an elevator full of strangers? Even if the strangers are unrelated to the "gomer" in question, such overheard conversations cannot help but raise questions about trust in one's own physician. These public displays of insensitivity not only demonstrate poor taste but also breach doctor-patient confidentiality. I know of no delicate method of intervention. A frown or hand gesture works for some; others require more aggressive measures. Perhaps an open discussion among JAMA's readers and editors would bring these issues about elevator consults . . . [Full Text PDF of this Article]

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