SS1020

SS1020: Introduction to Medical Ethics

SS1020 is a foundational course designed for medical students to explore the principles and applications of medical ethics. This course is essential for understanding the ethical challenges and responsibilities that healthcare professionals face in their practice.

Course Overview

SS1020 provides an in-depth examination of ethical theories, principles, and their application in medical practice. The course covers a range of topics including patient autonomy, informed consent, confidentiality, and the ethical implications of emerging medical technologies.

Course Objectives

• To understand the fundamental principles of medical ethics.
• To analyze ethical dilemmas in healthcare settings.
• To develop critical thinking skills in ethical decision-making.
• To apply ethical principles to real-world medical scenarios.

Key Topics

1. Ethical Theories

• Deontology: Focuses on the adherence to moral rules or duties.
• Utilitarianism: Emphasizes the outcomes or consequences of actions.
• Virtue Ethics: Centers on the character and virtues of the moral agent.

2. Principles of Medical Ethics

• Autonomy: Respecting the patient's right to make their own decisions.
• Beneficence: Acting in the best interest of the patient.
• Non-maleficence: "Do no harm" - avoiding harm to the patient.
• Justice: Fair distribution of healthcare resources.

3. Informed Consent

• The process of obtaining voluntary agreement from a patient before any medical intervention.
• Components include disclosure, comprehension, competence, and voluntariness.

4. Confidentiality

• The obligation to protect patient information from unauthorized disclosure.
• Balancing confidentiality with the need to disclose information for public safety.

5. Emerging Ethical Issues

• Genetic Testing: Ethical considerations in genetic screening and privacy.
• End-of-Life Care: Ethical dilemmas in palliative care and euthanasia.
• Artificial Intelligence in Medicine: Ethical implications of AI in diagnosis and treatment.

Course Structure

SS1020 is structured into lectures, case studies, and group discussions. Students are encouraged to engage in debates and role-playing exercises to better understand the complexities of ethical decision-making.

Assessment

• Written Assignments: Analysis of ethical case studies.
• Examinations: Testing knowledge of ethical principles and theories.
• Class Participation: Contribution to discussions and group activities.

Also see

• Medical Ethics
• Informed Consent
• Confidentiality in Healthcare
• Bioethics
• Patient Rights