Caveats for doctors providing care for themselves, family, friends, and colleagues.

Physicians are almost always asked by a family member, friend, other healthcare provider, or an employee to provide him or her with medical care. Often this request for medical care is made over the phone, at a social gathering, or in the hallway of hospital. This article will discuss the ethics involved with providing medical care to family, friends, and colleagues and suggest guidelines for caring for these special people/patients.