Proposals to Lower Medication Costs—Reply

Abstract

suboptimal outcomes. Nevertheless, we concur with Card that optimizing all aspects of a person's flourishing is indeed too broad a focus for any clinician (who, after all, is not interchangeable with a priest, life coach, or marital counselor). Instead, we propose that a reasonable standard for a clinician is to consider the wholeness of the person (flourishing) as it pertains to decision-making concerning the health of the body. Some clinicians, especially in certain specialties (eg, psychiatry, nursing, or family medicine), might well aspire to do even more in advancing a fuller promotion of patient flourishing. At the very least, however, we believe all clinicians should recognize the implications for flourishing with respect to any medical decision related to bodily health. Such a broader view could also inform current challenges in clinician burnout by allowing for fuller attention to their well-being. In summary, these issues lie at the heart of person-centered care that should respect the core themes that people value in their daily lives.