Faculty Seminar | The Dynamics of Doctor-patient Relationship in Elective Aesthetic Medicine

In this week’s faculty seminar, Dr. Madhubanti Sadhya will be presenting her paper titled “The Dynamics of Doctor-patient Relationship in Elective Aesthetic Medicine” on Wednesday, September 13, 2023. Prof. Mrinal Satish will be the discussant.

Abstract:

Cosmetic surgeries diverge from the principles of medical paternalism that have traditionally governed the interactions between doctors and patients in therapeutic medicine. In this paper, an attempt is made to categorize the relationship shared by individuals opting for elective cosmetic procedure with their cosmetic surgeons within the framework of four prominent doctor-patient relationship models. These relational dynamics have significant medico-legal implications, particularly concerning informed consent and the determination of cases of medical negligence. An evaluation of the four models and a review of judicial decisions that have influenced the development of the informed consent doctrine reveals that the relation between cosmetic surgeons and persons undergoing cosmetic procedures resides at the intersection of the patient autonomy model, the consumerist model, and the shared decision-making model.  However, considering the unique nature of this medical sub-specialty, there is a case for the state to assume a paternalistic stance by imposing  rigorous disclosure and consent standards on medical professions offering these procedures.