DEAR ABBY: The letter from the woman who was uncomfortable about using her father-in-law as her OB/GYN prompts this letter. "Uncomfortable" posed a question I often receive at the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners from practicing physicians.
It would be unprofessional and unethical for the father-in-law of "Uncomfortable" to serve as her physician, according to the American Medical Association Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs.
If her father-in-law treats her, his license could well be subject to disciplinary action by his state medical board, and if he does so against her will, it SHOULD be. The father-in-law has only one ethical alternative: Decline to treat "Uncomfortable." –- AARON J.KOZLOSKI, J.D., M.P.A., BOARD ADMINISTRATOR
DEAR AARON: If my prior column on the subject did not settle the question, I'm certain that your letter will put the matter to rest. Thank you for your expert opinion.