Purpose of review Modern medical ethics has prioritized patient rights and the importance of patient autonomy. This review article discusses the role conscientious objection plays within anesthesia while prioritizing the patient. Recent findings Literature on the role an anesthesiologist plays within the medical ethics has been scant. This article reviews conscientious objection and the different arguments regarding accommodating conscientious objection and discusses the role of the anesthesiologist. In addition, a review and discussion of where conscientious objection fits within the changing healthcare climate. This article presents two differing views of the concept of institutional conscientious objection and discussion of a newer concept of conscientious provider. Summary The final summary argues for the importance of inclusion of providers with differing perspectives while prioritizing patient rights and providing evidence-based standard of care regardless of the location of the care being delivered, as a priority for healthcare delivery.
Lucero et al. (Thu,) studied this question.