Document b51Z3aZgk44QkLvYNMnJ34Eq3

i! i f t 'i(/ UHIVERSITI OF CIH&HHATX College of Medicine General Hospital I / i. / Eden and Bethesda Avenues Laboratory of Applied Physiology Cincinnati, Ohio January 16, 1936* Kr Jharles Wesley Duna 603 fifth Avenue Raw fork City, Res York Dear Mr, Dunnt . Without entering into further discussion of the precise role which Should be ployed by the University Laboratory in matters such es we have bad under consideration, I as complying with your request that I give ay own analysis or interpretation of the "public responsibility" clause of the agreement as drafted by you* As a member of this medical faculty, I aa 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 ea 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 end 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, I and 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 matter of real scientific impor tance or of general significance to medical men which might develop out of the work should be made available through the proper channels* It would be ay duty lander these circusstances to see that the information be given In such a manner as not to injure those who in good faith had come to us end had worked with us in the solution of their problem. In ay experience n o groat difficulty is experienced in satisfying both of the above purposes. A spirit of fairness and impartiality end some understanding of basic human values, aa well as of mutual interests, is required of all parties involved. Frank open discussion of any controversial details may coniidently be expected to prevent difficulties. ' ' I 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 my best judgment as the facts develop* 0003252 KET Very cordially yours, N6540