“Although as a group we take no position on capital punishment, each of us was horrified by the torturous treatment of Mr. Carruthers. The AMA is clear about this, stating on its website … physicians must not participate in a legally authorized execution.” The physicians’ letter elaborated on the psychological trauma the death penalty inflicts on prison staff. And there is certainly cause for concern about that prospect given recent events in Tennessee, Ihne added. If executed, Pike would be the first woman put to death in Tennessee in 200 years.