Doctor’s Note
Student Activity – A medical note Dr. J.T. Zwaan wrote for Albert Jacob van Haren
| Artefact: | Doctor's Note |
|---|---|
| Theme: | Help and Rescue |
| Grade Level: | Intermediate (6-9) |
Suggested Time: 20-25 minutes
Grades: 6+
Part A. Read Help & Rescue, examine the Doctor’s Note closely and read the translation.
Answer the following questions:
- On what date did Dr. Zwaan issue the note?
- Refer to the timeline and review the entries around the date of the note. Considering this historical context, what do you think Dr. Zwaan’s purpose was in writing the note for Albert van Haren?
- Do you think the note accomplished this purpose? Why or why not?
- Why was it important that a doctor, specifically, write this note?
Part B. Moral courage is the ability to act ethically and do what you believe is morally right, even though it may go against laws, social norms, self-interest or obligations to others. Reflect on the concept of moral courage as you answer these questions:
- What were the possible consequences for Dr. Zwaan when he certified a false heart condition for Albert van Haren?
- Why might Dr. Zwaan have decided to write this note and risk the consequences?
- When he decided to help Albert van Haren by issuing this false diagnosis, did Dr. Zwaan:
- have a duty to Albert?
- break any laws or rules?
- violate a duty to his profession in making a false diagnosis?
- neglect an obligation to his wife and five young children?