When money and principles clash: The ethics of a surgical teaching service

During your preoperative visit, a very wealthy patient, Gill Bates, who donated a wing to the large teaching hospital in which you practice, has an unusual request: He does not want any residents involved with his care. He is scheduled for an open infrarenal aneurysmectomy. He explains that his decision is based on the experience of a relative many years ago who was harmed by a resident's error. You clarify that you will do the procedure but that this is a teaching hospital and residents provide excellent assistance and postoperative care. Heis resolute indemanding that only grown-up surgeons provide his care. A. Provide care as requested. B. Agree but follow your usual routine in the operating room. C. Refuse to provide surgical care under the stated conditions. D. Refuse to provide care and say what you think of his attitude. E. Carefully explain the importance of your team remaining intact in providing the best care.