How Should Clinicians Ally With Patients Whose Health Is Unlikely to Be Improved by Even Numerous Clinical Encounters?

Abstract

Patients experiencing homelessness and mental illness face conditions and circumstances that deserve focused ethical and clinical attention. The first commentary on the case applies insights from qualitative research about social determinants of health to these patients' care and dignity. The second commentary describes 3 kinds of power wielded by physicians#x2014;charismatic, social, and Aesculapian#x2014;each of which is considered in terms of whether and to what extent physicians' power should be owned, aimed, or shared.