“Dr. Orr, is this a situation where it would be permissible to withdraw care?” asked one of my classmates. Looking intently at the student and ensuring everyone was listening, Dr. Orr answered, “We may withdraw certain treatments, but we never withdraw care.” It has been 16 years since I heard Bob’s response to that student’s question. Whether I am teaching clinical ethics to medical students or discussing a complex case with members of my hospital ethics committee, I often find myself repeating Bob’s profound insight. His statement has the same impact on my students and colleagues today . . .
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