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Skid row doctor

Dr. Susan Partovi, from left, and resident physicians Dr. Andrew Frerking and Dr. Lisa Altieri walk through skid row as they try to persuade some of the most mentally ill homeless people to seek psychiatric treatment.

Dr. Susan Partovi, from left, and resident physicians Dr. Andrew Frerking and Dr. Lisa Altieri walk through skid row as they try to persuade some of the most mentally ill homeless people to seek psychiatric treatment.

  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

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Is it ever OK to let people slowly wither away on L.A. streets while respecting their right to resist help? Homeless advocates are trying to convince authorities that more aggressive, humane intervention is possible under existing law.

Skid row doctor

Dr. Susan Partovi, center, a skid row physician, has been exploring more aggressive ways to legally intervene to offer emergency treatment to homeless people who might otherwise die.

  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Skid row doctor

Connie stands next to her tent near the corner of East 5th and San Pedro streets in Los Angeles.

  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Skid row doctor

Kevin Stewart opens a fire hydrant to retrieve water for drinking and washing near skid row.

  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles TImes)

Skid row doctor

Dr. Susan Partovi, left, and resident Dr. Lisa Altieri, center, treat a patient with a finger wound in her skid row clinic.

  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Skid row doctor

A homeless woman shows off the scars from a stabbing at Homeless Health Care Los Angeles, where Dr. Susan Partovi treats her.

  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

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