Review of decision making following Hurricane Katrina

Last weekend the New York Times published an excellent article by Sheri Fink about the events that transpired at the Memorial Medical Center in the days following Hurricane Katrina. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/30/magazine/30doctors.html?_r=1

Sheri researched this story since the hurricane four years ago. As I read the 13,000 word article, I understood more clearly the incredible challenges facing doctors, nurses, patients, and family members during this crisis.

It is a good thing for us to revisit any such situation and examine how to improve our response in future crisis, however, I am personally unable to criticize any individual for their commitment, caring, endurance, and the challenging decisions that were carried out in the most difficult of circumstances. I also empathize with patients and families who did not understand decisions that were made.

I highly recommend this article.

Kath