Medical Ethics
Ethics is a topic that is nearly as old as the human race. Ethics is sometimes referred to a branch of philosophy called moral philosophy. Ethics is often conceptualized as a code or a system meant to categorize or otherwise classify as well as recommend behavior that is right and behavior that is wrong. Ethical codes often describe what right and wrong is in general as well. The practice or application of ethical codes in medicine is additionally an old concept. Some of the oldest and greatest civilizations called for the practice of ethics in medicine. The paper will explore and demonstrate the necessity of ethics in medicine.

Upon completing the requirements for a medical degree, newly degreed physicians take the Hippocratic oath. The Hippocratic oath was originally composed in the 5th century BC. Hippocrates lived during the ancient Greek civilization and is considered in western cultures as the father…...

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References:

Elsayed, D.E.M., & Ahmed, R.E.M. (2009) Medical Ethics: What is it? Why is it important? Sudanese Journal of Public Health, 4(2), 284 -- 287.

Gillon, R. (1994) Medical ethics: four principles plus attention to scope. British Medical Journal, 309, 184 -- 188.

Moulton, B., & King, J.S. (2010) Aligning Ethics with Medical Decision-Making: The Quest for Informed Patient Choice. Journal of Law, Medicine, and Ethics, Spring, 1 -- 13.

Ripley, G.D. (1985) Philosophical medical ethics. British Medical Journal, 290, 1904.

Medical Ethics
How does the study of medical ethics impact decisions in social services & healthcare? In the peer-reviewed Journal of Sociology & Social elfare, Professor Paul Adams explains that social work ethics "…focuses on the behavior required or expected of members of a profession," and like ethical principles in the medical profession, there are "…rules, obligations, and dilemmas" to confront in social work (Adams, 2009, p. 83). By studying medical ethics -- standards that emphasize practitioner competence, client privacy, confidentiality, potential conflicts of interest, documentation and informed consent -- a social worker can get a strong grasp of the ethical considerations in the social services sector.

For example, in the "Patient's Bill of Rights," the healthcare patient has the right to informed consent, and so too do clients of social workers have the right to informed consent. The social worker's clients also have the right to privacy, confidentiality, practitioner competence and…...

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Works Cited

Adams, P. (2009). Ethics with Character: Virtues and the Ethical Social Worker. Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare. XXXVI (3), 83-92.

American Psychological Association. (2007). Sexualization of Girls / Executive Summary.

Retrieved December 11, 2013, from http://www.apa.org.

Chadwick, A. (2002). Remembering Tuskegee. National Public Radio. Retrieved December 11,

In 2004, Arizona's Proposition 200 wanted state and local governments to verify the identity and immigration status of all applicants for certain public benefits, and to require government employees to report violations (ood pp). Attitudes about the problem have hardened in recent years in some states, both out of concern about the economic impact, particularly in a time of slow job growth, and out of concern about the security threat posed since 9/11 (ood pp). The concern over illegal immigration has intensified as the federal government has shifted more of the cost and control of welfare benefits to the states, further burdening state budgets (ood pp). Some anti-immigrant groups say illegal immigrants siphon more than $1 billion a year in social services from the Arizona treasury, roughly $700 per family in the state (ood pp). Ira Mehlman of the Federation for Immigration Reform, says, "Arizona has a serious problem on…...

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Works Cited

Axtman, Kris. "A new strategy for immigrants' healthcare; An old global concept grows in the U.S. To teach - and demystify - good health." The Christian Science Monitor. April 01, 2004. Retrieved August 06, 2005 from HighBeam Research Library Web site.

Axtman1, Kris. "Aid flows to illegal immigrants: In a controversial move, states make it easier for families to get everything from drivers' licenses to healthcare." The Christian Science Monitor. July 20, 2001. Retrieved August 06, 2005 from HighBeam Research Library Web site.

Benko, Laura B. "Hawaii hospitals hit by charity-care costs."

Modern Healthcare. September 25, 2000. Retrieved August 06, 2005 from HighBeam Research Library Web site.

Medical Ethics Case Study
Who Can Prescribe Medicine?

Does Jerry's medical training qualify him to issue this refill order? Why or why not?

Generally, LPNs and medical assistants are qualified to dispense medication prescribed by a physician ("Medical assistant, 2011). A medical assistant is a trained medical professional who works under the supervision of a board-certified physician ("Medical assistant, 2011). Typically, a medical assistant's work is administrative, but it may also include clinical duties ("Medical assistant, 2011). The administrative duties performed by a medical assistant might include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, greeting patients, and such. Clinical duties that may be performed by a medical assistant include taking vital signs, preparing patients for exams, drawing blood, and administering medication ("Medical assistant, 2011)..

In Jerry's case, the medical office includes a receptionist who normally takes telephone calls. This tends to indicate that the office administrative duties may be delegated to the receptionist. But this is…...

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References

Bouvier, J. (1856). Respondeat superior. Let the principal answer. [A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States.] 4 Co. Inst. 114; 2 Bouv. Inst. n. 1337; 4 Bouv. Inst. n. 3586. Retrieved  http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Respondeat+Superior 

Fremgen, B.F. (2009), Medical Law and Ethics (3rd edition), Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall

Masters, K. (2009). Role development in professional nursing practice. Jones & Barlett Publishers. Retrieved   B.F.%282009%29,+Medical+Law+and+Ethics+%283rd+edition%29,Upper+Saddle+River,+NJ:+Pearson+Prentice+Hall&source=gbs_navlinks_shttp://books.google.com/books?id=62pGJbexHHMC&dq=Fremgen ,

Medical assistant. Retrieved http://www.ehow.com/facts_5455998_definition-medical-assistant.html#ixzz1ZIBOJuMu

This is (still, for the present time, at least), the law on medical procedures to terminate pregnancy, which are available (and eligible for federal funding assistance) to anyone whose personal religious beliefs allow them. Those whose religious beliefs prohibit abortion at any time after conception need never contemplate the procedure, but their religious position is not incorporated into U.S. law. Like abortion, Americans not opposed to stem cell research on religious principle should be permitted to explore its potential fully, without governmental restraint or governmental withholding of research funds available to medical researchers in general.
Before modern scientific methods allowed the more precise understanding of human gestation, both physicians and legal scholars relied on concepts like "quickening" to establish a stage of pregnancy where the fetus was considered to be a living person (Abrams & Bruckner, 1983). Modern medical techniques allow us to generate precise images of developing fetuses, and…...

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Works Cited

Abrams, N., Buckner, M (1983) Medical Ethics: A Clinical Textbook and Reference for the Health Care Professions. Chicago University Press: Chicago

Kaku, M. (1999) Visions: How Science Will Revolutionize the 21st Century and Beyond. Oxford University Press: New York

Sagan, C. (1997) Billions and Billions: Thoughts on Life and Death at the Brink of the Millennium. Random House: New York

Certainly, there is a period much later in pregnancy where a fetus has developed enough human characteristics and senses to argue in good faith that the fetus is entitled to the same rights as a newborn infant. However, to make that argument on behalf of an undeveloped zygote requires specific logical justification. Instead, the main basis of the concern for the zygote is the religious belief about when human life "begins."
The problem with that belief as the basis for public policy is that it violates the fundamental constitutional principle of (1) separation of church and state and (2) equal protection. The belief that human life begins at conception is perfectly legitimate as a personal of religious belief; but it is not an appropriate factor in American law. Recognizing the religious beliefs or definitions in law is a violation of the constitutional rights of every person who does not share…...

How do we balance technological advancements with what is best for humanity?

For all of the problems technology can create, it is important to remember all of the great things that technology has given to us as a species. I would not want to live in a world without antibiotics or vaccines -- and it is worth remembering, too, that many people worried that the population would get too large if there weren't diseases to keep the population contained! However, the opposite tends to be true -- the more technology improves the standard of living and quality of care, the fewer children people choose to have because they have greater resources to limit their family size and more optimism about the present. Today, screening for genetic diseased prenatally has empowered parents with the ability to choose what is right for their families. Even GMOs have produced disease-resistant crops that can help…...

This was an individual specifically trained in lifesaving techniques for accident and emergency victims, and he should not leave an obviously injured person. His training prepared him for just this situation, and since he was the first person on the scene, he could literally make the difference between life and death. The accident victim with an obvious head injury could be suffering from shock, and the head injury symptoms might not show themselves immediately to the victim, or he might not understand what is happening, and what his symptoms indicate. The paramedic does, and should recognize the danger of leaving a head injury victim alone waiting for other help. There are those who might say that the paramedic had no duty to stop in the first place. This is true, since he was off-duty, and not compelled to respond to the situation. However, he did respond, and therefore, that…...

Medical Ethics and Decision Making
Do Doctors Need More Guidelines?

New Revolution in Ethics

In 1988, what many called the 'third revolution' in medical care came about (Dunevitz, 1999). The first revolution was after the Second orld ar, and this caused an explosion in the number of hospitals and doctors, as well as the research that went into the field (Dunevitz, 1999). Medicare and Medicaid were created and the field of medicine was growing so rapidly that it was hard to follow it and understand everything that was happening to it (Dunevitz, 1999). In the 1970's, cost and how to contain it became more of an issue than the growth of medicine and not only employers but the government began to work against the costs that were getting out of control (Dunevitz, 1999).

This caused the creation of managed care, among other measures (Dunevitz, 1999). Even though the control of these costs was very…...

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Works Cited

AANE News, (1999-2002). Newton, MA: Asperger's Association of New England.

Barker, (1992). Regeneration. New York: Dutton.

Bartle, E.E., Couchonnal, G., Canda, E.R., & Sraker, M.D. (2002). Social Work, 47(1), 32-43.

Bok, S. 1980. "Whistle Blowing and Professional Responsibility." New York University Education Quarterly. (10) pp. 2-10.

Obviously, they wish for Ms. Alexander to live as comfortable as possible for the time she has left and are not concerned about gaining financially from her death.
For this situation, Dr. Culver offers some advice on how the physician should act in the case of Ms. Alexander. First, "a family may be deeply divided about the appropriate treatment for their loved one," which, in the case of Ms. Alexander, is between the family and the physician. Such disagreements "can be exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to resolve in a short time at the bedside of a... patient" (1990, p. 195). Thus, the physician in this case faces one of the most common predicaments associated with medical ethics, that is, whether to override the concerns and disagreements of family members and proceed with an operation that will, in the long run, provide relief to the patient and extend his/her life.

Another…...

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References

Culver, Charles M., Ed. (1990). Ethics at the Bedside. Hanover: University Press of New England.

Glanze, Walter M., Ed. (1990). Mosby's Medical, Nursing and Allied Health Dictionary. St. Louis: C.V. Mosby Company.

Haring, Bernard. (1973). Medical Ethics. Notre Dame, IN: Fides Publishers.

Human cloning also provokes tremendous opposition, mostly from people who do not understand what it means. Typically, it suggests images of quasi-human "clones" as second-class citizens or beings created for forcible slavery or scientific exploitation in the manner sometimes depicted by science fiction movies and literature. In truth, clones already live among us, because every identical twin is actually a clone of its twin (Sagan

1997).

In reality, cloning simply refers to the process of generating a viable fetus from one set of genes instead of two sets contributed by two parents. At the simplest level, this would allow infertile couples and single women to have children whose genes are exclusively theirs instead of having to combine their genes with those of complete strangers to become pregnant. The first successfully cloned mammal was a sheep named

Dolly" created in 1997, but responsible scientists and medical ethicists do not recommend human cloning until the…...

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References

Park, a. (2007) the Year in Medicine. Time Magazine; Dec. 3/07 (pp. 63-65).

Sagan, C. (1997) Billions and Billions: Thoughts on Life and Death at the Brink of the Millennium. New York: Random House

Zuckerman, M. (2005) a Bright Hope to Be Realized. U.S. News & World Report; Dec. 24/04-Jan. 3/05 (p.88).

Medical Ethics
Terrance Ackerman, in his article Why Doctors Should Intervene, presents some of the complicated affective influences that enter into the doctor -- patient relationship when a patient is facing a life threatening situation. Patient autonomy has been the watchword of the medical community. Serving as the Magna Charta by which doctors have operated in their associations with terminal patients, honoring patient autonomy has been the guidelines by which doctors set limits on their involvement in patients lives. However, Ackerman makes a significant argument regarding conditions under which patient autonomy and a policy of non-interference are not sufficiently broad enough to address the real needs of the patient. The effects of the illness, he says, can create distortions in the patient's ability to make autonomous decisions. In this case, according to Ackerman, the doctor should position himself to actively engage the patient, and influence a different course of action than…...

The DNR order does not stand in other situations, such as non-life threatening accidents, etc. (such as a broken leg. The patient would be transported in this situation). There are many ethical decisions that will have to made by the emergency department in these situations, and they will literally have to play "God" in some decisions, which may be ethically and morally difficult for some personnel. Some people believe that DNR orders are not legal or moral, and the staff has no authority to act on them. However, the patient's wishes are at the heart of this ethical dilemma, and they should always be discussed and adhered to. It is the patient's life, after all, and not the medical department's life that is on the line. A DNR order is a highly person decision, and no person creates one of these orders lightly. They must understand the ramifications of…...

Healthcare -- Doing as Much Good as Possible
Many healthcare professionals believe that medicine and ethics are integrated. I agree with this concept. To do good medicine, one must also do good ethics, and to do good ethics, one must also do very good medicine. The two simply cannot be removed from each other.

In today's society, the demands of medicine are so great, and the tendency is so real to allow medicine to become routine and to lose sight of the phenomenal value of humanity. Therefore, healthcare professionals must consider how they can sustain a commitment to patients that truly puts their interests above our own. A fundamental aspect of the ethical life in medicine is to somehow be adequately motivated to do what is good and right for patients, especially in a world where, in many cases, no one else will be. This paper will describe why healthcare professionals should…...

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Bibliography

American Nurses Association (ANA) (1985). Code With Interpretive Statements. Kansas City, Missouri.

American Nurses Association (ANA). (1986). Cultural Diversity in Nursing, ANA House of Delegates.

Beauchamp TL, Childress JF. (2001). Principles of Biomedical Ethics. 5th ed. New York: Oxford University Press, Inc.

Bingemann, M. (2000). The Impact of Structured Social Inequalities on Public Health. TakingITGlobal.

Dr. Leon's reputation as a clinical trials clinical investigator and participant was therefore permanently disadvantaged.
Training and Presentation in Medical Conferences

Physicians such as Dr. Smathers participate in colloquia and congresses, and present teaching seminars about the use of medical devices and new pharmaceutical regimens. A concern of some is that this representation of the company can result in an endorsement of the company. A second concern is that the physician may allow his or her judgment to be compromised by their relationship with the company.

On the first concern, there is a pressing need for experienced physicians to teach others how to improve their practice. The rules (as above for clinical trials) are strict about what is presented, and how it is presented. The physician must present all sides, supported by clinical evidence, with a clear indication of side-effects and contraindications.

On the second concern, there may be an effect on the…...

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Bibliography

CDISD. "Clinical Data." CDISD. 2007.   / (Accessed November 21, 2007).http://www.cdisc.org 

NEJM. "Understanding Financial Conflicts of Interest." New England Journal of Medicine, 1993: 573-576.

Wolfe, S. "Testimony Before FDA Advisory Committee Concerning the Protocol for Biopure's Blood Substitute HBOC-201 (HRG Publication #1795)." Public Citizen. December 14, 2006.   (Accessed November 21, 2007).http://www.citizen.org/publications/release.cfm?ID=7492 

Wood, S. "NEJM bars Martin Leon from reviewing research or authoring reviews and editorials post-COURAGE embargo breach." The Heart, April 20, 2007: n.p.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telehealth services. Discuss how telehealth has transformed healthcare delivery, its benefits and challenges, and its potential for long-term sustainability.

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Precision medicine promises to revolutionize healthcare by tailoring treatments to individual genetic profiles. Explore the advancements, ethical considerations, and potential implications of precision medicine for patient care and population health.

3. The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Transforming Healthcare: Promises and Pitfalls

Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize healthcare through disease diagnosis,....

1. The impact of social media on face-to-face communication
2. The ethical implications of gene editing technology
3. The future of artificial intelligence in society
4. The role of environmental conservation in addressing climate change
5. The relationship between technology and mental health
6. The effects of globalization on cultural identity
7. The significance of storytelling in human communication
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I. Introduction
A. Brief explanation of physician-assisted suicide (PAS)
B. Importance of the topic

II. Background
A. Historical context of PAS
B. Legal status of PAS in different countries

III. Arguments in Favor of Physician-Assisted Suicide
A. Autonomous decision-making
1. Patient's right to choose
2. Respect for individual autonomy
B. Alleviating suffering
1. Relief from unbearable pain
2. Improving quality of life

IV. Ethical Considerations
A. Medical ethics
1. Beneficence and non-maleficence
2. Respect for patient's autonomy
B. Religious and cultural beliefs
1. Views on the sanctity of life
2. Impact of diverse beliefs on PAS acceptance

V. Arguments against Physician-Assisted Suicide
A. Slippery....

1. The Ethics of Physician-Assisted Suicide

2. The Controversy Surrounding Physician-Assisted Suicide

3. Exploring the Legality of Physician-Assisted Suicide

4. The Role of Physicians in Assisted Suicide

5. The Impact of Physician-Assisted Suicide on Medical Ethics

6. Religious Perspectives on Physician-Assisted Suicide

7. The Right to Die: Understanding Physician-Assisted Suicide

8. Physician-Assisted Suicide: A Patient's Right to Choose

9. Physician-Assisted Suicide and End-of-Life Care

10. The Debate Over Physician-Assisted Suicide: Balancing Autonomy and Medical Ethics
11. Examining the Psychological Impact of Physician-Assisted Suicide

12. The Global Perspective on Physician-Assisted Suicide

13. Physician-Assisted Suicide: A Healthcare Provider's Dilemma

14. The Evolution of Physician-Assisted Suicide Laws

15. Ethical Considerations in Physician-Assisted Suicide

16. Physician-Assisted Suicide: Personal Choice....