This article investigates the language of physicians in the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) crisis. It was found that how physicians talked about AIDS often showed discrimination. For example, of 232 metaphors reported by general physicians in answer to the question, "AIDS is like some physicians responded with extremely judgmental replies: "AIDS is the wrath of God," "AIDS is the plague brought to us by a minority of aberrant individuals," and "AIDS is poetic justice, almost." This information can be used to craft educational programs that will sensitize physicians and residents to ethical issues inextricably related to AIDS issues.
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