Course Description
Examines the moral problems that arise in the practice of medicine. Covers theories about what is good and what is right as related to bioethical and socio-ethical issues.
Course Objectives
After completing this course, students will be able to
- Describe principles, characteristics, and prominent characteristics of medical ethics as well as associated theories
- Apply appropriate ethical standards to specific ethical issues confronting healthcare professionals today
- Demonstrate the ability to discuss alternative ways in which an ethical resolution in bioethics can be achieved
- Demonstrate an ability to articulate their own position on selected bioethical issues
Week 1
Lecture: Introduction
Outcomes
- Define medical ethics
- Discuss human rights issues as they pertain to morals and values of society at large
- Discuss principles of medical ethics in United States
Week 2
Lecture: Prominent Characteristics of Medical Ethics
- Differentiate change from absolute authority to joint decision making
- Discuss compliance with human rights and national laws
- Rationalize global input
Week 3
Lecture: Physician and Patient Relationships
Outcomes
- Recognize the physician as an individual doing a job
- Discuss the physician fulfilling a social agreement
- Explain the physician's responsibility to global community
Week 4
Lecture: Physician and Society Relationships
Outcomes
- Recognize the physician as an individual doing a job
- Discuss the physician fulfilling a social agreement
- Explain the physician's responsibility to global community
Week 5
Lecture: Research
Outcomes
- Examine medical role models
- Discuss well-thought-out research methods
- Extrapolate healthcare expansion to global community
Week 6
Lecture: Beginning-of-Life and End-of-Life Issues
Outcomes
- Discuss mutual understanding of all parties involved in decision making
- Compare beginning- and end-of-life issues, still individual choice
- Contrast cultural and religious influence
Week 7
Lecture: Religion and Medical Ethics
Outcomes
- Create a working definition of religion
- Discuss what religion is or is not
- Compare religious perspectives on beginning- and end-of-life issues
Week 8
Lecture: Hospitals and Medical Ethics
Outcomes
- Describe a hospital’s mission statement
- Discuss established guidelines and reviews
- Explain ethics changes as global health care changes
The course description, objectives and learning outcomes are subject to change without notice based on enhancements made to the course. November 2013
