Ward Ethics
Dilemmas for Medical Students and Doctors in Training

Over 80 actual cases, and expert commentaries, on the ethical problems medical trainees may encounter.

Thomasine K. Kushner (Edited by), David C. Thomasma (Edited by)

9780521664523, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 7 June 2001

284 pages, 1 table
24.7 x 19.1 x 1.8 cm, 0.596 kg

'… I think this book is excellent … this challenging book will improve the ward ethics of any reader.' Ethics & Medicine

The existing literature in medical ethics does not serve the practical needs of medical students and trainees very well, as the dilemmas posed are generally beyond their direct control, and being a student or junior doctor brings its own set of ethical concerns. The editors have addressed this need by compiling a series of case studies from around the world and inviting an international team of leading ethicists and clinicians to comment on them. Over 80 actual cases cover the range of possible problems a medical trainee may encounter on the ward, from drug and alcohol abuse, whistleblowing and improper sexual conduct to performing procedures, handling authority, disclosure, blaming, personal responses to patients, and misrepresentation of research. The book will be an essential guide on how to cope with the ethical dilemmas of those embarking on medical careers.

Acknowledgements
About the editors
Prologue: breaking the silence
Letter to a young doctor Richard Selzer
Part I. On Caring for Patients: Introduction
Section I. Performing Procedures: 1. The responsibility of informing
2. Treating despite discomfort and self doubt
3. Blaming the patient
4. Breaking the code: is a promise always a promise? 5. The newly dead
6. Asking for help: who is listening?
Section II. Problems in Truthtelling: 7. Omissions: failing to come forward
8. Commissions: deliberate deception
Section III. Setting Boundaries: 9. From professional to personal
10. Losing empathy
11. The limits of compassion
Part II. On Becoming a 'Team Player': Introduction
Section IV. Abuse and Mistreatment: 12. Psychological: subjected to humiliating and belittling behavior
13. Physical abuse: actual physical harm
14. Sexual abuse: sexist slurs and sexual advances
Section V. Argot, Jargon, and Questionable Humor: 15. Comedians: mordant humor and cynicism
16. What's in a name?
Section VI. Making Waves: 17. Personal identity
18. Duties to treat?
19. Hierarchy and the dynamics of rank
20. Conflicts of interest
Section VII. Perceiving Misconduct and Whistleblowing: 21. Abusing alcohol or drugs
22. Mistreating patients
23. Covering up
24. Misrepresenting research
Epilogue: using this book
Glossary
Index.

Subject Areas: Medicolegal issues [MBQ], Medical ethics & professional conduct [MBDC], Philosophy [HP]