Is there really a perfect way to study humans?
Doctors, patients, and researchers are frustrated when a new healthcare approach works well in a study, but then has disappointing
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ethics
Death vs. dying: Exploring the ‘Timing Problem’
Is death bad for the individual who dies? We’re inclined, I think, to answer that it is. Answering in the
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The ethics of ‘Tobacco 21’ laws
Jan. 1 is a day for resolutions and fresh starts. For some individuals, it might be the year he or
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One size doesn’t fit all: Understanding the allure of alternative medicine through storytelling
In the era of celebrity-inspired medical treatments, alternative medicine is an easy punching bag. I work in the medical field,
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The caregiver as clinician: When life informs practice
Editor’s note: This blog post is the second part of a two-part series. Read part one. For me, becoming a caregiver
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Enduring pain: How much suffering is enough?
When faced with a painful event, people are often told to “hang in there” or “tough it out” as if
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Words are important: Improving doctor-patient communication
On the first day of medical school, one of my anatomy lab professors emphasized to us, “Words are important.” If
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Organ donation: Opt-out or opt-in?
Many people need critical organs like hearts and lungs, yet a worldwide shortage of available organs leaves many to die
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The importance of case-based study in ethics consultation
Ethics consultation is tough stuff. Ethics consultants seek to identify and address value-laden conflicts or ethical uncertainties in cases involving
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When breastfeeding isn’t best
The joy of a new baby brings new challenges, not the least of which is breastfeeding. These challenges are compounded
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