Clinical Ethics

Catalog description

This course is a comprehensive seminar on the theory and practice of clinical ethics consultation, examining bioethics from the perspective of a practicing clinician, Integrated Ethics Program Officer of the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System (SLVHCS), and former chair of three Hospital Ethics Committees (UofL Health Care Ethics Committee, University of Michigan Health System Ethics Committee, and Chelsea Community Hospital Ethics Committee [Michigan]). This course will familiarize learners with the basic modes and styles of ethics consultation in clinical settings. Learners will also study policy development and educational aspects of hospital ethics committees. Participants will apply philosophical and sociological concepts to cases and policy in clinical settings, will consider methods of mediation, as well as the arguments regarding certification in clinical consultation. Clinical ethics topics of particular emphasis will include informed consent, refusal of treatment, reproductive health, and end-of-life issues.