In January 2001, the authors surveyed a large, random sample of Tennessee physicians regarding their attitudes towards euthanasia & assisted suicide. They found that Tennessee physicians are highly polarized over these issues. A slight majority (47%) did not favour euthanasia or PAD & would oppose the legalization of such procedures. The authors found that attitudes were influenced by 3 primary factors: ethics, religion, & the role of the physician to relieve pain & suffering. (14 refs)