# @thewhizdoc on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DSjC9pcCUF5
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/59858643-thewhizdoc-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/98f35edd05.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-12-22T01:46:41.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Dr. Emmanuel Aguh, MD | Family Medicine (@thewhizdoc) — https://gondola.cc/thewhizdoc

## Caption

I struggled with this case. There were moments of real ethical tension, knowing I had the intervention that could help her faster, but having to honor her autonomy instead. 

I went home questioning my decisions. What if it didn’t work? What if she deteriorated?

I thought about my own parents getting older. Would I want a doctor to override their wishes, even with good intentions?
The answer was clear: No.

This wasn’t about what I would choose. It was about respecting HER choice, even when it made me uncomfortable. 

Even when it felt harder. Even when it meant uncertainty.

That’s the part of medicine they don’t always prepare you for in medical school, sitting with the discomfort of honoring someone’s autonomy when every fiber of your training says “just give the transfusion.”

But patient autonomy isn’t just a principle in textbooks. It’s about recognizing that my patient’s values, beliefs, and faith are just as important as my medical expertise.

Real question: Would you want YOUR doctor to respect your beliefs even if they disagreed?

#jehovahswitnesses #anemia #patientcare #medicalethics #familymedicine

## Stats

- **Views:** 4,704
- **Likes:** 0
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 22

## Tags

patientcare, medicalethics, familymedicine, anemia, jehovahswitnesses

---
Copyright (c) Gondola