A dilemma from dilemmas.day
You are a surgeon. You must operate on a father to save his life. You feel a slight tremor in your hand: if you operate, there is a 10% risk of a fatal error by you. If you step down, the delay in finding another doctor gives him a 30% risk of dying while waiting.
AStep down
You do not operate with tremors. You avoid direct negligence, but the patient faces a 30% risk of dying while waiting.
BOperate anyway
You take the 10% risk of killing him yourself in theater to save him from the 30% waiting risk.
Sealed 2026-07-19
49%51%
Step down431 votesOperate anyway
51% chose “Operate anyway”.
By country
- Spain2 votes
- Serbia1 votes
What each choice meant
A · Step down
You stepped down. You weren't the one who killed him, but the patient died while waiting.
The Rigorous Professional — You follow professional duty to avoid causing direct harm.
B · Operate anyway
You operated. You managed to save him, but you put your license on the line.
The Utilitarian Doctor — You risk your career and guilt to give the patient the best statistical chance of survival.