Introduction to Clinical Ethics


This course is an introduction to clinical ethics, which includes the identification, analysis, and resolution of ethical problems that arise in planning for the care of patients. The course deals with two tiers of ethical problems that occur frequently in the clinical setting: those involving duties inherent in the patient-clinician professional relationship and those involved in therapeutic decision-making. Students will lead and participate in weekly small group sessions with interdisciplinary faculty.  A pragmatic case method approach to ethical decision-making is emphasized through discussion.  Through these oral presentations, students will continue their lifelong commitment towards communication with and education of peers and patients.

Course Goals

• Prepare students for their third-year clinical clerkships with competency of medical history taking, and an introduction to the complete physical examination
• Increase students' knowledge about behavioral sciences concepts relevant to medical practice
• Foster students' acquisition of life-long, self-directed learning skills
• Foster students' professional development as future clinicians
• Integrate clinical and basic science concepts relevant to medical practice
• Emphasize the ethical and basic science concepts relevant to medical practice
• Foster students’ acquisition of knowledge and skills needed in the prevention and resolution of ethical conflicts

Course Objectives

By the end of the fall semester course, the student should be able to:

• Identify clearly the major ethical problems involving patients that clinicians face most frequently in their training and future practices
• Understand the history of these problems and see them as opportunities to optimize care for patients and families whose lives have been disrupted by illness, pain and suffering.
• Describe the psychological, sociocultural and behavioral factors that influence health care decision-making.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the appropriate utilization of an institutional ethics program
• Use a method of case study that:
• enhances planning for the optimal care of patients through a pragmatic approach
• helps clinicians bring major ethical considerations and principles to bear upon ethical problems in patient care
• Demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively through oral presentations

Life-long, Self-directed Learning Skills

• Demonstrate the ability to self-identify areas of knowledge deficiency.
• Demonstrate the ability to acquire new information and impart it to others.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply newly acquired information to learning contexts.