It was time to choose sides—protect the safety of military candidates in training or shield the commander by keeping his failure quiet. My decision was easy. In the military, it involves moving up the chain of command by one rung. I called the Commander’s boss.

What followed was an example of real leadership. The senior officer listened, understood the urgency, and took action to protect the young men and women under his command.

It should never have been this way; it wasn’t about who was right and who was wrong. It was about protecting men and women who volunteer to serve America from unnecessary medical risk. In the military, like anywhere else, there are good leaders and there are bad ones. Fortunately, the senior officer was one of the good ones…one of the best. I am thankful for his commitment to the well being of his Sailors.

Making difficult decisions on behalf of patients is part of how I approach medicine. Patients come to physicians in their most vulnerable states, expecting the physician to always have their best interests at heart. That is what I try to do. If you are my patient, I will always advocate for your health.