Ethics

I think the examples we discussed in class definitely reflect ethical lapses in judgment in the business/government/social setting. The people involved in the given examples employed dehumanizing language so as to alleviate their conscience and not to equate their behavior with an immoral action. I believe that a strong sense of ethical responsibility is vital for those involved in business. Power can often be abused and can have disastrous results, as demonstrated in class with the examples used regarding the space shuttle “Challenger” and the correspondence regarding the Nazi’s transportation of "items."

I, myself, am currently applying to several medical schools with the hope of becoming a surgeon one day. Those involved in the study and practice of medicine face several ethical issues including issues with epidemiology, genetic diseases, medical care, and medical resources allocation. One example of how ethical issues can arise in epidemiology involves a medical study at the Tuskegee Institute. I believe that this example demonstrates how strict ethical issues apply in any study involving humans. In 1932 US Public Health Service and scientists from Tuskegee Institute performed a study of about 400 black men in Macon County, Alabama where syphilis was rampant. The participants in the study were not to receive treatment, and investigators didn’t explain the purpose of the study or ask patients’ permission. The men were deceived, and they weren’t told what syphilis was or that they were part of a study—they were led to believe that they were receiving treatment. Regarding genetic disease, there is a fine line between the worthy goal of preventing disease and disability and the use of genetic screening and abortion to select desirable traits and eliminate undesirable ones. For example, when a serious disorder is diagnosed in a fetus, aborting the fetus with a genetic or teratogenic abnormality is often the only alternative to the birth of a child with a handicap. One ethical issue with medical care would be whether mentally competent, terminally ill patients have the right to physician-assisted suicide. For example, ethical issues arose when Dr. Jack Kevorkian helped to end the lives of people who were suffering or afraid that they would suffer painful or degrading deaths. With regards to medical resource allocation, ethical issues arise in the decision of who gets access to scare health care resources. For example, during a shortage of dialysis machines, God Committees were formed in order to select the most worthy candidates for the life-saving treatment. The committees tended to favor those who had jobs, family responsibilities, youth, good general health, and strong motivation. As a result, many patients were denied treatment.

It is my hope that I will become a doctor one day. As a doctor, I will, first, do no harm. I will work to save lives, improve the heath of the people I serve, and the health of society. I will determine the method of treatment and surgical course of action, which according to my ability and judgment, I consider in the best interest of and for the benefit of my patient. I will use my knowledge to better serve others. I will be truthful, respect the rights of the patient, and always help when I can.