Solving Ethical Dilemmas in International Healthcare Professional Education: A Case Study Using a Revised Ethical Model

Authors

  • Kate Thomas GMHC
  • James Smith Oregon Health and Science University, Oregon, USA
  • J Dwight Phillips Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Minnesota, USA
  • Shari Falkenheimer Academy of Fellows, Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity, Trinity International University, Deerfield, Illinois, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15566/cjgh.v5i3.233

Keywords:

ethics, medical education, intercultural dilemmas, East Africa

Abstract

Ethical issues frequently arise during the practice of clinical medicine and when providing medical education.  These issues become particularly challenging when practicing and teaching medicine cross-culturally.  In this case study, a structured approach to managing ethical challenges effectively was found to assist in overcoming a conflict about potentially removing a seemingly incompetent medical trainee from a residency program.  The step-wise approach includes identifying relevant stakeholders; agreeing on actual background facts; understanding the various goals and values involved in the situation; reviewing locally applicable ethical, professional and legal standards; acknowledging limitations in various options to resolve the issues; and analyzing risks and benefits of the various courses of action.

Author Biographies

James Smith, Oregon Health and Science University, Oregon, USA

Professor Emeritus, Oregon Health and Science University, Oregon, USA

J Dwight Phillips, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Minnesota, USA

MD, Professor of Pediatrics, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Minnesota, USA

Shari Falkenheimer, Academy of Fellows, Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity, Trinity International University, Deerfield, Illinois, USA

MD, PhD, MPH, MA, Academy of Fellows, Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity, Trinity International University, Deerfield, Illinois, USA

References

Wall AE. Ethics for international medicine: a practical guide for aid workers in developing countries. Hanover, NH: Dartmouth College Press; 2012.

Jonsen AR, Siegler M, Winsdale WJ. Clinical ethics: a practical approach to ethical decisions in clinical medicine. New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2010.

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Published

2018-11-08

How to Cite

Thomas, K., Smith, J., Phillips, J. D., & Falkenheimer, S. (2018). Solving Ethical Dilemmas in International Healthcare Professional Education: A Case Study Using a Revised Ethical Model. Christian Journal for Global Health, 5(3), 29–34. https://doi.org/10.15566/cjgh.v5i3.233

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