* * Anonymous Doc

Friday, October 21, 2011

Ethical question.
An e-mail to all residents from the program director-- i.e., our boss--

"Just wanted to let everyone know about a Lupus Walk I'm doing next weekend. Would like to invite everyone to check out the website and hopefully donate a few dollars for the cause. Thanks.

Also, if anyone wants to make an appointment to talk about their fellowship recommendation letter, let me know."

Of course it's all well-meaning, but is there not a little bit of coercion when your boss asks you to donate to a cause-- and then mentions those fellowship recommendation letters in the same e-mail??

5 comments:

  1. Too funny. There is more than just a little bit of coersion, which gives you leverage for getting an awesome letter without donating. I'd hit "reply" and point out what he just did - if he doesn't give you a good letter it can be construed as retaliation.

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  2. Haha, clearly a cause close to his heart...

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  3. Could be the director is just testing for who can be bullied and who can not. If you donate you can expect more of the same.

    - KrisW

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  4. Reply with "Thanks for telling me about such a great opportunity - I'll have to check it out.".

    Then lie about actually donating.

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  5. hm. total conflict of interest there...it's like having faculty ask for volunteers for a research study, and then remind you that grades are posted next week. while it's probably innocent -- a "what do i need to talk to this group of people about? i'll do it all at once so i don't forget" -- but still, inappropriate on their part.

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