Disagreement Between Two Physicians on the Patient’s Care Team

A 28-year-old woman presents for diagnostic laparoscopy for pelvic pain. During laparoscopy, the surgeon announces that she intends to proceed to hysterectomy for multiple uterine myomas. The anesthesiologist then declares that he will “wake the patient up” rather than allow the surgeon to proceed, due to lack of consent for the procedure, and questionable medical necessity.• Can the anesthesiologist “tell” the surgeon what to do?

• Why or Why Not?
• Who is in charge when two physicians on the team disagree?
• What are the legal and ethical arguments for each side?

Apply Theory (Specific Professional Healthcare Competencies + Clinical Medical Ethical Principles) to Practice in order to provide Optimal Patient-Centered Care (OPCC)