OSHER 512 - Medical Ethics and Epidemics: New Challenges, Old Problems

Using contemporary media reports of controversial clinical cases and public health measures, we will explore new and recurring ethical problems. Participants will respond based on personal experience, cultural and professional perspectives, and content knowledge. Issues likely to emerge include: what is the scope of medical ethics, who decides what's right, is there a right to health care, decision making in uncertainty, why and how do we ration care, do epidemics change ethics, what decisions are possible at the end of life, and how do patients and families make them. Students who have taken this class before are welcome to return, as we will discuss new concerns.