Medical Ethics

Course Restrictions: Restricted to students in the Master of Science in Medical Science program.

This course aims to provide didactic experiences for medical students in specific areas within the field of medical ethics. The need for these experiences stems from the recognition that ethical dilemmas are inherent in medical care. Although issues such as cloning, abortion and organ donation have strong ethical implications, it is important to realize that the practicing doctor will face ethical decisions every day while solving more commonplace problems. Most everyday ethical questions have well-accepted answers; only the most difficult ethical questions seem to defy resolution. Even so, it is important for physicians to develop an understanding of the principles of medical ethics and a system of ethical reasoning that will result in consistent decisions. The didactic activities include discussion of clinical cases which have been selected to represent ethical dilemmas similar to those that are likely encountered in real life.

Credit: 1