Document B5YKbNVwgE7aL7x85mXgX6k5E

;/ U U I T E B S i n OF CltfCINHATI f College of Medicine General Hospital Sden and Bethescia Avenues Laboratory of Applied Physiology Cincinnati, Ohio January 16, 1836 Jtr* Charles Lesley Dunn 608 Fifth Avenue He lark City, Hew York Dear Mr. Dunn: Without entering into further discussion of the precise role which should be played by the University Laboratory in natters such as we have had under consideration, I am complying with your request that I give my own analysis or interpretation of the "public responsibility" clause of the agreement as drafted by you* As a member of this medical faculty, 1 am accustomed to assuming some responsibility for the welfare of individual patients and for the health of the community as a whole on matters on which I am informed. As a doctor and an investigator, I am not unaware of the necessity of maintaining strictly confidential relationships. In all the work done in this Laboratory on behalf of various industries I maintain the dual attitude of the doctor who has a patient to whoa he must maintain a confidential relationship and who, at the same time, as an investigator and teacher is charged with a responsibility for the dissemination of useful information to his colleagues. In general, this is not very difficult* In the present instance, X ad the staff are interested chiefly in the solution of the public health problem* If it is satisfactorily solved the publication of that fact is not likely to be a matter of general scientific or medical importance. On the other hand, any setter of real scientific impor tance or of general significance to medical which might develop out of the work should be made available through the proper channels* It would be my duty wder these circumstances to see that the imforaationbe given in euch a manner as not to injure those 'who- -in'-godd" faith '-d" to us end had-worked with us in the solution of their problem* Xn my experience no great difficulty is experienced in satisfying both of the above purposes. A spirit of fairness and impartiality and soma understanding of basic human values, as well as of mutual interests, is ,- required of all parties Involved* Frank open discussion of any controversial' details may confidently be expected to prevent difficulties* ' X trust that the above statement clarifies my position to your satisfaction* Obviously, I can go no further since I cannot take any position which is prejudicial to the. exercise of ay best judgment 3 the facts develop* ` K g- 0003246 N 6537