An Exception to the Rule

There are principles that are important to uphold. But, even those can never be applied regardless of the circumstances, especially when lives are at stake. The confidentiality of the doctor and patient relationship is one of those principles. As a rule, that information may not be divulged, but every rule has to have exceptions. The doctors who saw the German co-pilot, thought he was unfit to fly and remained silent because of the confidentiality rule ought to have their heads examined.

Now we know that he went to seven medical appointments in the month prior to the crash, three of them with a psychiatrist. The fear of being sued or disciplined professionally cannot justify endangering the public in such a major way as allowing an emotionally unstable pilot or co-pilot to fly a plane full of innocent people. No court in the civilized world would contemplate punishing a professional who alerts the proper authorities, employers or others about the imminent danger posed by a deranged or disturbed individual.

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