In this article we describe our approach to understanding wrongdoing in medical research and practice, which involves the statistical analysis of coded data from a large set of published cases. We focus on understanding the environmental factors that predict the kind and the severity of wrongdoing in medicine. Through review of empirical and theoretical literature, consultation with experts, the application of criminological theory, and ongoing analysis of our first 60 cases, we hypothesize that 10 contextual features of the medical environment (...) (including financial rewards, oversight failures, and patients belonging to vulnerable groups) may contribute to professional wrongdoing. We define each variable, examine data supporting our hypothesis, and present a brief case synopsis from our study that illustrates the potential influence of the variable. Finally, we discuss limitations of the resulting framework and directions for future research. (shrink)

Catholic physicians who believe that the Church offers a positive, intellectually compelling, and beautiful religion have a unique experience in their work and life. These physicians often encounter a particular difficulty related to mischaracterization of Catholic doctrines as restrictive, impersonal, or even disrespectful of human freedom. Multiple physician stories are briefly recounted as examples of these experiences. This difficulty is most painfully encountered when professional colleagues absorb scandal, factual errors about the teachings, negative stereotypes, or incompatible ideologies. The Catholic physician (...) can address this difficulty with tact, witness, and gentle discussion of Catholic doctrine and the natural consequences of ethical and ideological missteps in mainstream medicine. (shrink)