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Question
Dr. Sadao faced a dilemma. Should he use his surgical skills to save the life of a wounded person or hand an escaped American P.O.W. over to the Japanese police? How did he resolve this clash of values?
Solution
A conflict of interests arises in a situation when someone in a position of trust, such as a doctor, has competing interests that make it difficult to fulfil his duties. Dr Sadao was a Japanese surgeon who lived in Japan during the Second World War. He had spent several years in the United States where he had experienced cultural prejudice and bias. He struggles with issues of duty, wartime medicine and racism. Yet he risks his life to save an enemy, an American and a prisoner of war. He, like a real hero stands up for what he believes in and does not calculate the repercussions. He strikes a balance between his duty towards humanity and his country. He tends the soldier, reveals the truth about him to the General and later helps the soldier escape to safety. He can be viewed as a true hero for his bravery and professional competence.
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RELATED QUESTIONS
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Is there any film you have seen or novel you have read with a similar theme?
How do we know that Dr. Sadao was conscientious as well as loyal?
Answer the following in about 120-150 words.
After seeing off the enemy soldier, Dr. Sadao must have felt relieved. He was able to uphold the oath that he had taken as a doctor. Dr. Sadao made an entry into his daily diary explaining the dilemma faced by him and how he resolved it.
Imagine yourself to be Dr. Sadao and express his thoughts.
(You may begin like this: I was able to uphold the oath that I had taken as a doctor ....)
Answer the following in about 120-150 words.
Dr. Sadao is torn between his duty as a doctor and his responsibility as a patriotic citizen. Elaborate.
