Ethical Analysis Of Joseph's Isolation Of Antarctica

Ethical Analysis
Justice
In the health care system, justice implies that all treatment and medical goods are distributed fairly and equitably amongst the community.1 Though it is not specifically discussed, the hostile environment and relative isolation of Antarctica may challenge Joseph’s overall health and wellbeing as he is an overweight smoker with asthma and sleep apnoea. In order to adhere to the principle of justice, Joseph’s fitness levels, lifestyle choices and comorbidities have to be assessed to identify if he was suitable candidate to undergo the internship.2 If Joseph was deemed medically unfit, but were still allowed to go to Antarctica, in the case of an emergency, his life as well as the lives of others around him may be endangered.
It is the doctor’s duty to evaluate each patient’s circumstances and take into account their values and lifestyle factors which may conflict with beneficence.5 It can be argued that beneficence is met as the doctor advises Joseph to go through lifestyle changes to promote good health. However, there is a conflict between beneficence and autonomy since Joseph exercises his autonomy by refusing to quit smoking and the doctor fails to address this issue. Signing the medical clearance form may not be beneficial to Joseph’s health in the long term. The doctor neglected to consider the climatic differences of Antarctica which may have a detrimental effect on Joseph’s health as his comorbidities may worsen in this extreme environment. Whilst Joseph does lower his BMI, he is still considered as overweight and continues to smoke as a form of stress relief. Periods of stress may exacerbate asthma and beneficence is not met as Joseph’s doctor has failed to provide him with alternative methods for
The doctor’s decision to sign the medical clearance could be potentially endangering to Joseph since his comorbidities and lifestyle factors have not been taken into consideration. As well as this, the doctor does indirectly cause harm towards Joseph by neglecting to notice subtle signals of smoking, for example, nicotine-stained fingers and teeth or the smell of smoke on Joseph’s clothing. There are other physical examinations and test the doctor could have undergone to evaluate Joseph’s health at the throughout the consultation periods to deem if Joseph was worthy of going on the Antarctic internship. However, the harm associated for Joseph’s situation could be seen as only short term as Joseph is only exposed to the Antarctic conditions for four weeks. Also, if the doctor refused to sign Joseph’s medical clearance, then the decision would have violated Joseph’s