Mark Borden MD | Beneficence: The Duty to Do Good

Mark Borden MD Beneficence, one of the central pillars of clinical ethics, refers to the physician's obligation to act in the best interests of the patient, promoting their well-being and actively contributing to their health. Dr. Borden defines beneficence as not only avoiding harm but also taking steps to improve the patient's quality of life.

 

In practice, this principle requires healthcare providers to carefully consider each patient’s unique situation and apply treatments that will provide the greatest benefit with the least risk. For example, recommending preventive measures, such as vaccinations or lifestyle changes, is a common way physicians practice beneficence by helping patients avoid future illnesses.

 

However, beneficence can sometimes come into conflict with patient autonomy, as Dr. Borden explores in his work. For instance, if a patient refuses a life-saving treatment for religious or personal reasons, the physician may face an ethical dilemma: the desire to provide the best possible care while also respecting the patient’s right to make their own decisions. In such situations, balancing these ethical principles requires open communication, empathy, and a deep understanding of the patient’s perspective.