Saw this what if scenario on another site (Anubis Boards), where I am a member too. It was a question a medical student was forced to answer as part of his course.


Quote:
Instructions:
You have got $25,000 which you must use to fund only one of the scenarios described – who would you spend the money on and why?

Patient – Steve
Steve is 18 years old, an apprentice electrician and is the victim of a hit-and-run car accident. He has severe facial scarring and psychological problems as a result. Plastic surgery would correct the scarring.

Patient – Joanne
Joanne is 42 years old and has no dependants. She has just been diagnosed as HIV positive as a result of her drug taking. She no longer takes drugs. Drug treatment for HIV is available and 75% effective. This could extend her life expectancy and minimise symptoms.

Patient – Marinder
Marinder is 65 years old and has been waiting 16 months for a hip replacement. Soon, she will be no longer able to live alone. Her only son lives 200 miles away. Eventually her hip will fracture; when it does, 8 out of 10 people like Marinder will die within 6 months. The hip replacement would allow her to live independently.

Patient – Daniel
Daniel is 8 years old and has cancer. He has a 50/50 chance of survival. There is however a new drug treatment available that has been partially tested on a limited number of cases.