Doctor dilemma

Terrific Grey's Anatomy episode last night (called "Stairway to Heaven"), wherein the stalwart Dr Bailey, along with several of the other doctors, must confront her willingness to overlook the primary dictum of the Hippocratic Oath - First, do no harm - when circumstances seem to demand it. In this case, allowing a patient (who happens to be a death row inmate) to die so that his kidney can be given to a dying child. And it was especially weird because I just watched Episode 314 called "The Woman King" (great title) of Battlestar Galactica on DVD, which involved EXACTLY the same doctor dilemma. In BG, a doctor on the ship was withholding medicine from members of a religious cult because he said they wait too long to seek care and the medicine is wasted on them. Since they all die anyway, he wanted to save the limited supply for people it could really help (although he is giving them something which speeds their death, so the situation is more cut and dry). It was very well done (as are all the episodes). And it was fascinating to watch the same ethical dilemma presented on Grey's (which was solved by the expedient of another donor being miraculously available). Both shows, of course, ultimately affirm the Hippocratic Oath, in different ways. Very interesting and thought provoking.