Principles of Ethics for the South African Anaesthesiologist offers a clear and compassionate examination of the ethical challenges and responsibilities inherent in contemporary anaesthesia.
Written by a seasoned anaesthesiologist, the book navigates the complex territory where clinical decisions, patient safety, and moral judgement intersect. Through real-life case vignettes and accessible analysis, it reveals how everyday choices impact outcomes, the hidden pressures clinicians face, and the far-reaching significance of how we define and respond to error and death. Drawing on decades of clinical experience and medico-ethical scholarship, the narrative explores the unseen frameworks that underpin ethical perioperative care, encouraging clinicians to reason carefully, act conscientiously, and challenge established practices when necessary. While primarily aimed at South African anaesthesiologists, this resource is equally valuable to anyone seeking insight into the realities of medicine under pressure and the transformative power of ethical clarity. Ultimately, the book affirms Socrates’ timeless advice: to live by reason, follow conscience, and strive to do good.
Malcolm de Roubaix is 'n afgetrede narkotiseur met doktorsgrade in Geneeskunde en Filosofie. Hy het 33 eweknie-geëvalueerde artikels geskryf, wat hoofsaaklik op bio-etiek fokus, en het ses boeke geskryf. Sy boek Hoop, Heling en Harmonie – Dink Nuut Oor Siekte en Genesing is in 2019 deur Penguin Random House SA uitgegee en het die gesogte Andrew Murray literêre prys gewen. Twee van sy boeke, A Journey into the Human Experience of Incurable Disease: From Hope to Healing, en Reproductive Rights in the 21st Century: Procreation and Abortion is in 2023 deur Cambridge Scholars Publishers in die Verenigde Koninkryk gepubliseer. The Kiss en Nemesis verskyn in 2023 by Ns. Skrywershuis.
Malcolm het deur sy loopbaan verskeie rolle gespeel, waaronder dié van 'n praktiserende algemene praktisyn en narkotiseur, navorser, voorsitter van 'n navorsingsetiekkomitee, do-sent in Bio-etiek, en navorsingsgenoot by die Sentrum vir Toegepaste Etiek, Departement Filosofie, Universiteit Stellenbosch. Hy was ook 'n suksesvolle eiendomsontwikkelaar.
Malcolm de Roubaix is a retired South African anaesthesiologist with academic interests in bioethics, research ethics, and health sciences education. His work has included teaching, writing, and encouraging ethical reflection within anaesthesiology, both theoretically and in clinical practice. He served as chair of a Research Ethics Committee in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, contributing to the development of responsible research governance. This book reflects a long‑standing engagement with ethical inquiry and the moral foundations of clinical decision‑making in South African healthcare. In retirement he continues to write, teach, and curate accessible educational resources for clinicians and the public, bringing together science, ethics, and narrative insight.
