The close ties between belief and behavior suggests that physicians are unlikely to reach agreement anytime soon about what is suitable.

We found no consensus among physicians about what is customary or appropriate. Despite efforts to standardize many aspects of the doctor-patient relationship, patients are likely to encounter very different approaches.

The most obvious areas we want to examine are those in which there are overt moral controversies: sexual and reproductive health, end-of-life care.

Our study challenges that conventional wisdom.

What this study does is beg some important questions.

Boone Pickens is one of this country's greatest philanthropists, and Eugene Frenkel is one of its finest physicians, so this partnership is as appropriate as it is meaningful.