The need for policy and social involvement

Abstract

Whilst president of the College I was often contacted by the media asking whether the MCFD had a policy on an issue. This happened on embryo freezing, the question of sea water near fish farms, and others. Of course some issues may be divisive and a college policy is not something on which a simple majority has to agree. They must be written in neutral and non- political form but having firm statements and proposals. The American Medical Association have a Policy Compendium, which starts from simple things like the use of seat belts, to other more controversial issues. The Royal Colleges issue regular statements both as guidelines for physicians and to express policy. For example, the Royal College of Physicians until recently held a policy against euthanasia.