Damaged goods: dilemmas of responsibility for risk.

The social and physical institutions of medical practice reflect society's acceptance of the physician's preeminent responsibility in determining the adequacy of health care. Such confidence evolved from historical circumstances--social and scientific--that changed concepts of susceptibility to disease. Twentieth century campaigns to control venereal disease exemplify the growing conflicts between political and professional control measures. The social and economic costs of resolving differential risks, needs, and resources are not likely to be accomplished easily and equitably.