Book of Sorrows

Behind many of the current debates about the provision of health care lies the fundamental question: what is the purpose of the medical profession? Is it the traditional aim of bringing health and preserving the sanctity of life, or the "new medicine" of relieving pain and making choices over limited resources? Until now we have enjoyed the benefits of the Hippocratic Oath in which doctors commit themselves to the interests of the patient made in God's image. But recently, argues this book, a different standard has threatened seriously to undermine the Christian foundations of the healing professions. The crisis goes far beyond the issues of abortion and euthanasia: the battle is on for the very soul of health care itself - one that must be won and can be won, according to Dr Cameron.