Dr. James Murtagh And His Approach To Medical Ethics

Dr. James Murtagh has earned an outstanding reputation in the forefront of research and treatment of sleep apnea, a more common disorder than most people suspect. 

Sleep apnea is a disorder that affects more than 18 million people and about 25% of all men. Women suffer the condition less frequently, at about 10%. The disorder affects breathing while sleeping, and many people experience an occasional episode characterized by waking up unable to breathe. 

Sleep apnea causes reduced breathing and pauses in taking breaths, ranging from a few seconds to longer than a full minute. These pauses in normal breathing can occur as often as 30 times per minute, and more than half of all occurrences remain undiagnosed.

Dr. James Murtagh doesn’t just excel in sleep apnea treatments but also takes an active role in medical ethics thought leadership, taking a proactive stance in addressing problems that arise in medical ethics. 

These include ethical and legal controversies that arise regarding patient rights, hospitalization issues, and the following problems:

• The importance of providing patient confidentiality and privacy when dealing with multiple assistance programs
• Transmission of infectious diseases like Covid-19 as a result of seeking medical assistance
• Developing unhealthy relationships between patients and their doctors
• The potential for sexual harassment and other types of staff misconduct 
• End-of-life issues involving physician-assisted for terminally ill patients
• Myriad new laws and regulations that leave patients behind when they don’t welcome the changes

Dr. James Murtagh Embraces an Active Medical Approach

Regardless of Dr. Murtagh’s specific position on medical ethics, he takes an active, compassionate and empathetic approach to his stewardship over patient health. 

Recognized as an accomplished pulmonary and internal medicine expert for more than 25 years, Dr. James Murtagh uses his experience and skill as a staff physician at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center of Fayetteville, Arkansas. His particular expertise in sleep apnea and other sleep disorders complements his pulmonary and internal medicine work.

Dr. James Murtagh is a board-certified expert in critical care and sleep medicine. Graduating from the University of Michigan Medical School, Dr. Murtagh continued his education as a one-year intern at Dallas’s Parkland Memorial Hospital and a two-year internship in internal medicine. 

He also received a fellowship and the National Institutes of Health at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. He later received a Senior Fellowship at the Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism.

As the capstone of a highly respected career, Dr. James Murtagh was recognized as one of six scientists serving on the advisory board of Boehringer-Mannheim Corporation, which has since changed names to Roche Diagnostics Corporation. 

The facility is recognized as one of the most respected healthcare companies around the globe, and Dr. Murtagh is one of the world’s most respected authors on important medical topics.

Insights into Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea often remains undiagnosed and contributes to 38,000 deaths annually, many of which are unnecessary. The condition contributes to deaths from other disorders, including stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. 

There are three types of sleep apnea: central, obstructive and mixed. Central apnea accounts for less than 5% of apnea cases.

This condition occurs when the brain fails to regulate breath properly, causing misfires in breathing control. Obstructive sleep apnea ranks as the most common type, and it involves blockages of the throat caused by the collapse of soft throat tissue. Mixed apnea occurs when symptoms of both central and obstructive apnea are present.

Men who are obese and over 40 are particularly susceptible, primarily caused by excessive fatty tissue in the neck that becomes constricted during sleep or rest. 

Sleep apnea treatment can involve surgery, medication, weight loss, lifestyle adjustments, and specialized treatments like oxygen therapy or custom-shaped mouthpieces.

Dr. Murtagh and His Coalition-building Approach

Dr. James Murtagh believes strongly in providing vital support services – especially for underprivileged families. 

As an internal medicine expert, compassionate physician, and educator on medical topics, Dr.Murtagh has earned a powerful reputation as a writer, researcher, and charitably-minded civic leader. His work on ethics also generated strong praise from peers from all over the world.

Understanding Medical Ethics in the Modern World

Dr. Murtach has worked in various specialties throughout his career, but his work on medical ethics distinguishes his work and promises to serve as his primary legacy. 

He has worked and chaired many committees, charitable initiatives, and research projects that play a seminal role in patient health. His work on medical ethics influences more and more doctors to find ways for patients to receive high-quality care while being treated with respect and human dignity.

Medical ethics can be divided into four primary categories: autonomy, non-maleficence, justice, and beneficence.

Autonomy is the right of patients to make healthcare decisions based on a knowledge of the medical issues, their personal preferences, and the best possible odds of making a full recovery. The process should be free of outside pressure, financial concerns, and other influences.

Non-maleficence reinforces the medical profession’s basic tenet: First, do no harm. Physicians have a primary duty of care not to cause harm or injury, but this can become complicated when there are no perfect options. However, all patients should enjoy access to high-quality care regardless of their social or economic status.

Justice requires that patients should have access to proper care regardless of their financial profile, social status, race, gender, and other demographic characteristics. 

Even prisoners have the right to quality medical care. Medical ethics extends to pharmacies, staff, and even clinical trials of new treatment options.

Beneficence involves charitable works, mercy, and basic human kindness. It’s the process of doing good to others without expecting anything in return except getting well.

Dr. James Murtagh Fulfills Many Roles

Dr. Murtagh has empathetically served his community. His most recent initiative is building a coalition of doctors, medical staff workers, and community activists to help indigent families in depressed neighborhoods get proper medical care and support services. 

Dr. James Murtagh always goes the extra mile to educate patients, help them get essential medical services, and work in inner-city neighborhoods that often distrust doctors and social workers.