TRACK(S): GER, ONC

Moderator: Thomas J. Miner, MD, FACS, Providence, RI
Co-Moderator: Anne C. Mosenthal, MD, FACS, Newark, NJ

Decisions regarding use of surgical procedures in seriously ill patients require the highest level of surgical judgment. In some instances, the decision not to offer operative intervention may be the most valuable service a surgeon can provide. Such recommendations, however, may challenge the expectations of the patient, family, and other providers and contribute to high levels of professional moral distress and dissatisfaction. This multidisciplinary panel will discuss specific problems and offer practical solutions grounded in communication skills, professionalism, practice-based learning, and systembased care to help the practicing surgeon navigate the multiple demands associated with a recommendation against operative intervention. A question-and-answer session will allow audience members to offer their perspectives and to ask the expert panelists questions.

Presentations and Speakers

Considerations and Issues That Influence Recommendations Against Operation in the Acute Care Setting
David Zonies, MD, MPH, FACS, Portland, OR

Considerations and Issues That Influence Recommendations Against Operation in Patients with Chronic Disease
Bridget N. Fahy, MD, FACS, Albuquerque, NM

The Ethical Considerations of Not Offering Operative Intervention
Richard I. Whyte, MD, FACS, Boston, MA

Getting to “No”: Practical Considerations
Anne C. Mosenthal, MD, FACS, Newark, NJ