RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic: what are their duties and what is owed to them? JF Journal of Medical Ethics JO J Med Ethics FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics SP 12 OP 15 DO 10.1136/medethics-2020-106266 VO 47 IS 1 A1 Stephanie B Johnson A1 Frances Butcher YR 2021 UL http://jme.bmj.com/content/47/1/12.abstract AB Doctors form an essential part of an effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We argue they have a duty to participate in pandemic response due to their special skills, but these skills vary between different doctors, and their duties are constrained by other competing rights. We conclude that while doctors should be encouraged to meet the demand for medical aid in the pandemic, those who make the sacrifices and increased efforts are owed reciprocal obligations in return. When reciprocal obligations are not met, doctors are further justified in opting out of specific tasks, as long as this is proportionate to the unmet obligation.