Originally Posted by DeninDK
Just thought I would relate a semi-related tidbit on this topic.
My wife is a physician in Denmark-- she was specfiically warned by a med school professor that she should NEVER identify herself as a Doctor when flying in the states, even though her danish license is reciprically recognized by almost all countries in the world. She is not licenced in the states, and furthermore her malpractice insurance would not cover such a situation. Even if she has equal (or better) training than a peer in the states and indeed a moral obligation to help in life threathing situations, I tend to agree with her professor-- kind of sickening, but thats how it is.
Just one example of how a professor (and possibly an MD) can provide misinformation. If she were the only physician available, she'd definitely be covered by good samaritan laws (which doesn't mean you cannot be sued if you do something grossly negligent - but also, there are laws which require you to render aid). If she pushed away a physician licensed in the US, insisted on providing the care, and claimed to be licensed in the US, she might have problems.
For more info:
http://medi-smart.com/gslaw.htm
I don't know about what the ethical and professional standards are in Denmark, but a US physician would be in violation of them if s/he didn't step forward to help in a serious situation, if no one else of equal competence wasn't otherwise available. (It doesn't matter how much it "inconveniences" you; you're obligated).