Ethical dilemmas in the era of COVID-19.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic placed an extraordinary demand on health systems and healthcare providers all over the world. The pandemic presented a number of unprecedented challenging ethical issues. Across the globe, hospitals are being challenged by a large number of patients presenting to the emergency room for treatment, creating scarcities of critical care resources, and uncovering the need for formal crisis standards of care.

Minimizing nocebo effect: Pragmatic approach.

The nocebo effect, the inverse of the placebo effect, is a well-established phenomenon, yet under-appreciated. It refers to nonpharmacological, harmful, or undesirable effects occurring after active or inactive therapy. The frequency of adverse events can dramatically increase by informing patients about the possible side effects of the treatment, and by negative expectations on the part of the patient.

Slowing the Tide of Alcohol Use Disorders.

Alcohol use disorders (AUDs)-a spectrum including at-risk drinking, alcohol abuse, dependence, and addiction-is a highly prevalent problem worldwide with a substantial economic impact. The toll of alcohol on individual health and healthcare systems is devastating. Alcohol is estimated to be the fifth leading risk factor for global disability-adjusted life years.

The cardiac patient in Ramadan.

Ramadan is one of the five fundamental pillars of Islam. During this month, the majority of the 1.6 billion Muslims worldwide observe an absolute fast from dawn to sunset without any drink or food.

Pragmatic message to junior doctors.

Although several studies described the experience of doctors in their first postgraduate years, few shed the light on the ethical issues encountered by them. These doctors face a broad range of 'everyday' ethical challenges, from breach of confidentiality to truth-telling or improper informed consent. The daily ethical issues faced by junior doctors are not as dramatic as the major issues learned at medical school.