Orlando Doctor Tries To Avoid Treating Obama Voters

Dr. Jack Cassell, a urologist in Mount Dora, Florida – and a Republican who opposes Obama’s health care overhaul – posted a sign on his door telling patients that if they voted for Obama, they should seek medical help “elsewhere.”

“I’m not turning anybody away — that would be unethical,”says Cassell,  “But if they read the sign and turn the other way, so be it.” His sign says: “If you voted for Obama … seek urologic care elsewhere. Changes to your healthcare begin right now, not in four years.”

Cassell may be walking a thin line between his right to free speech and his professional obligation, said William Allen, professor of bioethics, law and medical professionalism at the University of Florida’s College of Medicine.

Allen said doctors cannot refuse patients on the basis of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation or disability, but political preference is not one of the legally protected categories specified in civil-rights law. By insisting he does not quiz his patients about their politics and has not turned away patients based on their vote, the doctor is “trying to hold onto the nub of his ethical obligation,” Allen said.

In his waiting room, Cassell has copies of a health care timeline put out by Republican leaders. Given that he’s a urologist, how many Democrats are going to want to place themselves in his hands?

By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.