Two Doctors. Opposite Beliefs. Should Doctors Let Personal Beliefs Influence Patient Care?

What happens when two physicians approach medicine from very different ethical frameworks? In this episode, I sit down with Margaret Cottle, a palliative care physician, author, speaker, and prominent voice in the Christian medical community. Dr. Cottle has spent more than 20 years caring for patients with terminal illness in Vancouver, BC, and is a clinical instructor at UBC Medical School. She serves as Vice President of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition and is involved with the Christian Advocacy Society of Greater Vancouver. Together with her husband, she also helps host gatherings for the Christian Medical and Dental Association of Canada community in Vancouver. Dr. Cottle is a vocal advocate for pro-life medicine and has been an outspoken critic of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) in Canada. While many of her views are rooted in her Christian faith, our conversation explores how those beliefs intersect with modern medical practice and some of the most controversial healthcare issues facing society today. As an emergency physician, my own approach is grounded in patient-centered care, respect for patient autonomy, and the recognition that people bring different values, beliefs, and life experiences into medical decision-making. This discussion examines where those perspectives align, where they diverge, and how physicians can navigate ethical disagreements while still caring for patients with compassion and respect. Topics discussed include: • Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) • Abortion and reproductive healthcare • Contraception • Patient autonomy and informed consent • The role of personal values and faith in healthcare • Palliative care and end-of-life decision making • What patient-centered care means in practice Whether you agree with Dr. Cottle, disagree with her, or fall somewhere in between, I hope this conversation encourages thoughtful discussion about some of the most challenging ethical questions in medicine. What are your thoughts? Where should the balance lie between patient autonomy, physician conscience, and ethical responsibility? Let me know in the comments below.