“A Doctor’s Dilemma” Questions
DIRECTIONS:
Read the essay and provide thoughtful, thorough answers to the following questions:
What was Dillard’s goal in publishing this narrative in a national newsmagazine?
Does this narrative serve to contrast idealism and reality? How does Dillard’s oath conflict with his final decision?
Does the fact that the victim was drinking have an impact on your reactions to the doctor’s actions? Does Dillard seem to show contempt for his patient?
Critical thinking: Does this essay suggest that there is an undeclared war between doctors and lawyers? Do medical malpractice suits improve or diminish the quality of medicine? Are lawyers to blame for the writer’s decision to “drive on”?
