Abstract

The wrongful death suit filed by Sidney Zion against New York Hospital for the death of his daughter, Libby, in 1984, became famous not only for the issues of possible malpractice that arose from case, but also because it drew attention to the long hours and overburdened schedules young doctors are expected to keep as part of their training. The case revealed how these common circumstances could potentially endanger patients. Using contemporary theory about documentary, Joan McGettigan examines two television programs devoted to the Zion Malpractice case. She explores how the two programs reach different conclusions about the responsibilities of physicians and their patients, and yet also re-establish the public's faith in the medical profession as a whole.

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