How Should Clinicians Respond to Medical Requests from Clinician Family Members of Patients?

In the medical profession, receiving a request for medical management from a colleague is a routine experience. However, when the colleague is a family member of a patient and the desired or requested medical intervention is not medically indicated in the attending physician's view, the situation becomes more complicated. Ethical issues include respect for patient autonomy and social justice as well as nonmaleficence. Furthermore, interpersonal and professional relationships may be tested in this situation. Addressing the colleague's concerns with empathy and respect, without compromising one's own medical judgment, is critical in resolving these kinds of conflicts.