Ward Ethics Dilemmas for Medical Students and Doctors in Training

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.