BMJ 1995;311:945 (7 October)

Letters

Doctors should advise but do not have to lead by example

EDITOR,--We take issue with Simon Chapman's suggestion that medical students who smoke should be channelled away from primary health care.1 He argues that in view of our "responsibilities as exemplars" it is "hypocrisy" for doctors to smoke and that, consequently, if we do smoke it is reasonable for people in the community to use this as justification for their own continued smoking.

The premise that doctors have a responsibility to lead by example is reminiscent of the paternalistic attitudes held by the medical profession in the past. In contrast, we believe that the duty of the medical profession is to advise people about what is good and bad for their health and to offer treatment when it is desired. It is our job to advise against smoking, not to condemn those who smoke. The decision whether to follow our advice rests with the individual, not with us, and we must . . . [Full text of this article]


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Relevant Article

Doctors who smoke
Simon Chapman
BMJ 1995 311: 142-143. [Extract] [Full Text]

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