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Shannon and Jake

An Application of Medical Ethics Principles

By Doug Knutson, Doug M. Post (rr)

Shannon and Jake


 

Abstract

This case was developed to teach first-year medical students the basics of medical ethics. It describes a situation in which a family physician is treating a teenage patient for a sexually transmitted disease. Based on information she gives him, he is concerned not only for her health and welfare, but also for the health and welfare of others. Students read the case and discuss the choices the doctor might make using the ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. Students then develop a rationale for the physician acting according to one of the ethical principles identified, and prepare a debate for the class supporting the rationale.

   

Date Posted

01/06/2006

Overview

Objectives

  • Discuss the choices that the doctor in the case could potentially make, using the ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.
  • Develop a rationale for the physician acting according to one of the ethical principles identified, and prepare a debate for the class supporting the rationale.
  • Explore potential legal issues related to this case, and discuss the physician’s approach to these issues.

Keywords

Medical ethics; maleficence; non-maleficence; beneficence; autonomy; justice; ethical principles; sexually transmitted disease; STD

  

Subject Headings

Medicine (General)
Public Health

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Graduate, Professional (degree program), Continuing education

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

Ethics, Legal issues, Scientific argumentation, Social issues

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Dilemma/Decision; Debate

 

 

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