First Rights: Key Senate health bill's deadly fine print Oct 1, 2009
As Burke Balch, director of the National Right to Lifes Center for Medical Ethics, says: This (part of the Baucus bill) means that all doctors treating older people will constantly be driven to try to order the least-expensive tests and treatments for fear they will be caught in that top 10 percent. Note that this feature operates independently of any considerations of quality, efficiency or waste. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Academic doping set to rise Oct 1, 2009
Writing in the Journal of Medical Ethics, psychologist Vince Cakic of the University of Sydney, Australia, says that "nootropics" -- drugs designed to help people with cognitive problems -- are already being used off-label to boost academic performances. Amphetamines and methylphenidates, marketed as Dexedrine and Ritalin, are time-honoured stimulants used by as many as a quarter of students in some US colleges, especially those with competitive admission standards, according to figures from US... (India Times, India)
Student group lights up discussion on tobacco ban Sep 30, 2009
If any professor is thinking of devoting part of a course on social movements, the psychology of groups, propaganda analysis, medical ethics, or other such studies as relate to the question of smoking bans and the antismoking movement, I invite them to email me at Cantiloper over on the AOL system and I ll be happy to recommend further readings (and no, not just my book. . (Washington University Student Life, MO)
Utah ethicist heads stem cell panel Sep 23, 2009
SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 22, 2009 University of Utah medical ethics expert Jeffrey R. Botkin will chair a federal panel that will review scientists' requests to conduct government-funded research using embryonic stem cells left over from couples who used "test-tube fertilization" to have babies ... Botkin who also is chief of the University of Utah School of Medicine's Division of Medical Ethics and Humanities says he was picked as chair due to his background in research ethics, and his past... (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
The Imaginary Pirate of Globalization, Antoine Garapon, Eurozine Sep 23, 2009
"Bltter" despairs of an election campaign devoid of content; "Varlik" hears opinions on the AKP's "Kurdish move"; "Arena" warns Sweden against the Danish trap of xenophobia; "Osteuropa" draws lessons from the Czech EU debacle; "Critique ism" revisits the Batak controversy; "Passage" reads Derrida after Derrida; "Akadeemia" argues medical ethics is not just about morals; and "Mittelweg 36" says heroes are not as selfless as we like to think. 26. (Harper's Magazine)
Electronic health records open patient privacy questions Sep 19, 2009
The right to privacy and control is the national consensus, Peel said, It reflects centuries of medical ethics. We are asking you to set a high bar for privacy to meet with patients expectations. (FCW.com)
Semenya: DA points finger Sep 12, 2009
Spokesperson Floyd Shivambu said the IAAF should distance itself from the media and act in line with basic medical ethics. "Even if a test is done, the ANCYL will never accept the categorisation of Caster Semenya as a hermaphrodite, because in South Africa and the entire world of sanity, such does not exist.". (iAfrica.com)
Tylko studying evolution of medical ethics Sep 10, 2009
By Allison Eck/Special to the Journal. Wed Sep 09, 2009, 11:16 AM EDT. (Lincoln Journal, MA)
Williamson comes to party again for Ensemble Sep 10, 2009
Other 2010 productions include Joanna Murray-Smith's Ninety, the medical ethics drama The God Committee, Nancye Hayes in Murderers and a show written and performed by Henri Szeps, Wish I'd Said That. For full season details go to www. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
'DOCTORS TOLD ME IT WAS AGAINST THE RULES TO SAVE MY PREMATURE BABY'... Sep 9, 2009
Experts on medical ethics advised doctors not to resuscitate babies born before 23 weeks in the womb, stating that it was not in the child's 'best interests. The guidelines said: 'If gestational age is certain and less than 23+0 (i. (The Drudge Report)
Betsy McCaughey Addresses New York Times: Charges of Falsehoods But No Evidence Sep 6, 2009
" And then he reemphasizes the positive contribution "communitarianism" offers: "the overlap between liberalism and communitarianism points to a way of introducing the good back into medical ethics and devising a principled way of distinguishing basic from discretionary health services. " Going beyond this article, Emanuel's subsequent writings are consistent with expecting doctors to compromise the needs of an individual patient in order to advance the common good. His discussion of the... (PR Newswire)
Disney sets out to make 'The Passion for kids' Sep 6, 2009
Almost three years ago, experts on medical ethics provoked public outrage when they published guidelines advising doctors not to resuscitate premature babies born before 22 weeks in the womb. Three 18-year-old filmmakers have started shooting their first movie, Jam, after raising money from public donations through the BuyACredit website. (Yahoo News -- 'The Passion of the Christ')
Doctors 'part of CIA torture' Sep 4, 2009
DOCTORS and psychologists the CIA employed to monitor its ''enhanced interrogation'' of terror suspects came close to, and may even have committed, unlawful human experiments, a medical ethics watchdog has alleged ... The Red Cross condemned such activities as a ''gross breach of medical ethics. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
PATIENTS WITH TERMINAL ILLNESSES MADE TO DIE PREMATURELY Sep 3, 2009
" The warning comes just a week after a report by the Patients Association estimated that up to one million patients had received poor or cruel care on the NHS. The scheme, called the Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP), was designed to reduce patient suffering in their final hours. Developed by Marie Curie, the cancer charity, in a Liverpool hospice it was initially developed for cancer patients but now includes other life threatening conditions. It was recommended as a model by the National Institute... (The Drudge Report)
Medical groups may recommend procedure on boys, but opponents say benefits exaggerated Sep 3, 2009
The groups are expected to make their decisions late this year or early in 2010, but already their actions are sparking debate over the medical ethics associated with a long-standing cultural practice. The U.S. has one of the highest circumcision rates in the world, though rates have fallen over the last several decades. (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
Sarah Palin, Meet Hippocrates Sep 3, 2009
Sherwin B. Nuland: `Death Panels,' Medical Ethics, And the Nefarious Critics Of Health Care Reform ... After all, even if there were some provision before Congress that could conceivably be interpreted as establishing a "death panel," centuries, if not millennia, of established medical ethics (in addition to existing U.S. law) would prevent its actualization ... Even putting aside the Judeo-Christian morality upon which the Constitution and our nation's culture are based, the notion of forced... (CBS News)
'Crisis' over terminally-ill care Sep 3, 2009
Among the signatories on the letter are PH Millard, Emeritus Professor of Geriatrics at the University of London and Dr Anthony Cole, chairman of the Medical Ethics Committee. Dr Peter Hargreaves, a consultant in palliative medicine, Dr David Hill, fellow of the Faculty of Anaesthetists of the Royal College of Surgeons, Dr Elizabeth Negus, a lecturer at Barking University, and Dowager Lady Salisbury, chairman of Choose Life, were the other signatories. (BBC News -- UK)
Doctors Had Central Role in CIA Abuse: Rights Group Sep 1, 2009
"Health professionals in the (federal government) and psychologist contractors engaged in designing and monitoring harmful interrogation techniques. Such medical participation in torture is a clear violation of medical ethics." ... PHR urged a separate investigation of the medical experts involved to determine whether "criminal and unprofessional conduct" took place, and said those who violated medical ethics rules should lose their license. (Newsmax)
Mont. Court to hear arguments on assisted suicide Sep 1, 2009
The state's appeal argues that physician-assisted suicide violates state homicide laws and medical ethics because the medicine is given with the intent of causing a patient's death. The state attorney general's office notes the American Medical Association Code of Medical Ethics requires physicians to provide effective palliative care, or the reduction of pain or other symptoms, "even if it may foreseeably hasten death." The state argues that because palliative care is available to terminally... (Havre Daily News, MT)
Katrina and the Ethics of Disaster Aug 29, 2009
Katrina Forces Harsh Questions About the Medical Ethics of Disaster. In August 2005, when Hurricane Katrina was just beginning to bear down on the city of New Orleans, the doctors at Memorial Medical Center, a respected community hospital southwest of the French Quarter, were forced to make an impossible ethical decision: choose to evacuate the sickest and most injured patients last or attend to everyone equally and risk the lives of healthier patients and staff. (Slate)
Radiologist Technician Job Requirem... Aug 29, 2009
They will also study principles of imaging, anatomy, and medical ethics. According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, there are more than 1,000 accredited radiology technician schools in the United States. (Suite101.com)
First Rights: Obama, Congress to decide when you die? Aug 25, 2009
"And who will these doctors be? What criteria will such Obama advisers as Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel set for conductors of end-of-life services?I was alerted to Lanes' crucial cautionary advice -- for those of use who may be influenced to attend the Obamacare twilight consultations -- by Wesley J. Smith, a continually invaluable reporter and analyst of, as he calls his most recent book, the "Culture of Death: The Assault on Medical Ethics in America" (Encounter Books).As more Americans became... (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Apple's Jobs Chose Surgeon With Expertise in Rare Liver-Cancer Treatments Aug 22, 2009
The tall, soft-spoken surgeon, who comes from a family of Tennessee doctors, said he cant comment on the details of Jobss case because of medical ethics and privacy laws. Jobs is a special person was all Eason would say about the Apple chief. (Bloomberg)
Eli Lilly details payments to docs Aug 18, 2009
Basically, what we ve had is a trough where people have been feeding without any rules, said Arthur Caplan, chairman of the department of medical ethics at the in Philadelphia. This transparency will help that. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
Eunice Shriver changed views on intellectual disability Aug 12, 2009
The accomplishments of John F. Kennedy's sister range from founding the Special Olympics to establishing major centers to study medical ethics ... range from helping to establish the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to founding the Special Olympics to establishing major centers to study medical ethics. (Christian Science Monitor)
Stupaks visit to Friendship Center explosive Aug 7, 2009
"PORTLAND, Ore. Some terminally ill patients in Oregon who turned to their state for health care were denied treatment and offered doctor-assisted suicide instead, a proposal some experts have called a "chilling" corruption of medical ethics. Since the spread of his prostate cancer, 53-year-old Randy Stroup of Dexter, Ore., has been in a fight for his life. Uninsured and unable to pay for expensive chemotherapy, he applied to Oregon's state-run health plan for help. Lane Individual Practice... (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
Level with me Aug 5, 2009
In my work, I teach current future doctors and lawyers about medical ethics and law. I teach them about informed consent. (BBC News -- Health)
The superfluous* people Jul 30, 2009
The task of these notables was to make sure the patient s demise was compassionate and consistent with medical ethics oh, so clinical ... Joe wrote on Jul 29, 2009 12:24 PM:" So, Obama is a Nazi out to exterminate old folks?The right-wing has been trying to kill health reform in this country using what the right always does: scare and smear tactics. Bill has taken this article written by Dr. Emanuel, who happens to be jewish (so the Nazi comparison is really sick here), and pulled from it a... (Cameron Observer, MO)
Embarrassing Illnesses No Bar To Information Sharing Jul 25, 2009
BMC Medical Ethics, (in press). Adapted from materials provided by , via , a service of AAAS. Email or share this story. (Science Daily)
A chance for familes to make medical decisions Jul 24, 2009
In keeping with broadly accepted principles of medical ethics, the surrogate decision-maker would have to decide based on the patient's wishes, if reasonably known, or else the patient's best interests ... Put differently, it would bring New York law into closer conformity with accepted medical practice and good medical ethics in end-of-life decisions. (Albany Times Union)
Cancer experience inspired focus on ethics in business Jul 21, 2009
Weinstein is in town as a guest lecturer in a series of talks featuring several local CEOs as well as leaders in the field of corporate governance, medical ethics, college athletics and corporate social responsibility. The lectures, which kick off tonight at the UH Law School, are part of Weinstein's business ethics course, and are open to the public. (Honolulu Advertiser)
* Letters from the White Terror era Jul 15, 2009
It was really impressive to read about how a political prisoner 56 years ago cared so much for humankind that he wanted to contribute his surplus value X a praiseworthy example compared with today, when medical ethics have become so corrupted, they said. To piece together the traces of her grandfathers life, Chang, a research assistant at Academia Sinica, also wrote the dentistry school Huang attended in Japan, and later visited the school herself. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Tribunal: Beautician cannot seek out customers medical record Jul 15, 2009
Tribunal president Datuk A. Mutalib Abdul Razak said it was a breach of medical ethics for a doctor to reveal a patients health condition to anyone without the patients consent. You are not supposed to check on a patients medical condition. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
A Phase III Alzheimer's Drug Increases Levels of Beta Amyloid in the Brain - But Still Provides Benefits Jul 15, 2009
Scott Roberts, PhD, Assistant Professor of Health Behavior & Health Education at the University of Michigan's School of Public Health; Jason Karlawish, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine and Medical Ethics with tenure, Senior Fellow of the Center for Bioethics and the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, and Associate Scholar at the Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Pennsylvania; and colleagues sought to assess how neurologists are diagnosing and... (PR Newswire)
Change: But In What Direction? Jul 12, 2009
President Obama has made it crystal clear where he stands on questions of medical ethics and human life. And rest assured, it is nowhere near middle ground. (Townhall.com)
Life without men Jul 10, 2009
The editor of the Journal of Medical Ethics says in the Independent that he sees nothing wrong with exercising choice but the real ethical issue isn't about the prospect of a world without men. Women have many ways of trying to do without men. (BBC News)
'Lab-made sperm' fertility hope Jul 8, 2009
Anna Smajdor, a researcher in medical ethics at Imperial College London, said: "The creation of viable sperm outside the body is a hugely significant breakthrough and offers great potential for stem cell research and fertility treatments. "However, sperm and eggs play a unique role in our understanding of kinship and parenthood, and being able to create these cells in the laboratory will pose a serious conceptual challenge for our society. " Josephine Quintavalle, of Comment on Reproductive... (BBC News -- Health)
Popularity of brain-boost pills drives debate Jul 5, 2009
"We have to start talking about these issues," said Jacob Appel, a New York-based bioethicist who last year wrote a paper about neuro-enhancers for the Journal of Medical Ethics. "I think these (drugs) are already pervasive in our society.". (AZCentral)
Capacity mapping of national ethics committees in the Eastern Mediterranean Region Jul 5, 2009
BMC Medical Ethics 2009, 10:8doi:10 ... Of these NECs, 40% (6/15) were involved in the ethics of science and technology, 73% (11/15) in medical ethics, and 93% (14/15) in medical research ethics; 10 NECs stated they reviewed research protocols. (BioMed Central)
Expression of therapeutic misconception amongst Egyptians: a qualitative pilot study Jun 30, 2009
BMC Medical Ethics 2009, 10:7doi:10. 1186/1472-6939-10-7. (BioMed Central)
Can money buy a patient a faster transplant? Jun 26, 2009
D., the chair of the department of medical ethics at the University of Pennsylvania. "One, who gets in to a center. Two, who gets transplanted off a particular center's list when an organ becomes available. Most of the attention goes to stage two, but the biggest ethical challenges are really at stage one.". (CNN -- Health)
Washington may hire special lethal-injection staff Jun 24, 2009
He says medical ethics prevented him from taking part in an execution or allowing the prison staff to prepare for an execution. Three executions are scheduled at the Washington state Penitentiary at Walla Walla but they are currently on hold. (Longview Daily News, WA)
* Top doctor accused of torture collusion Jun 23, 2009
In 1996, the letter says, Amnesty International concluded that doctors in Israel working with the security services formed part of a system in which detainees are tortured, ill-treated and humiliated in ways that place prison medical practice in conflict with medical ethics. . (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
11-yr-old raped by father in Mumbai Jun 23, 2009
"The mother of the victim alleged that the girl had been mentally ill ever since she got a head injury in an accident three years ago,'' the source said. Eventually, the mother and aunt took the girl away. Dean of Sion Hospital Sandhya Kamat confirmed the incident but said, "We cannot give any details of the case as it will be a breach of medical ethics. She refused to say whether the hospital had filed a police case, citing the same reason. (India Times, India)
The Conversation: Immigration & America Jun 21, 2009
More than half of that $486 million will be for emergency care, which hospitals by law and by medical ethics must provide to anyone who arrives at their doors. The spending also includes birth control and prenatal care. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
An Orchestra In Need Of A Conductor Jun 20, 2009
The big problem is that "personalized medicine" research is taking place without public awareness or knowledge, violating medical ethics and patients' rights to give informed consent to participate in research before their personal electronic health and genetic records are used. Americans do not want others to have open access to the most sensitive data about them on earth: genetic and health records. (CBS News)
Springer to publish Journal of Medicine and the Person Jun 17, 2009
Springer Executive Editor of Medicine Journals in Italy, Carlotta d'Imporzano, said, "We are proud to welcome the Journal of Medicine and the Person to the Springer Italia medicine journals portfolio. This addition enriches our clinical medicine offering, giving an additional perspective to medical ethics. The journal has been completely revamped with a new cover, a new inside layout and an editorial board largely redefined in order to promote the journal's international scope. We are happy to... (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
MD suspended for not following pot Rx rules Jun 16, 2009
The Medical Board of California ordered Robert Sterner to take classes on medical ethics, prescribing drugs and keeping medical records. The decision became effective Friday. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Tidbits: Nadya Suleman regrets bashing Kate Gosselin Jun 16, 2009
With out even addressing Pinsky by name, Lohan shot back at the Rehab host by questioning his medical ethics. I thought REAL doctors talk to patients in offices behind closed doors, Lohan wrote in a post on her. (MSNBC -- Gossip)
MCI members on erring college board Jun 6, 2009
Its not surprising that we have not had a strong reaction from MCI even three days after the expose, said Dr Sunil Pandya, a member of the Forum for Medical Ethics Society based in Mumbai, which has been fighting for transparency in the functioning of MCI. ... Dr Sunil Pandya, a member of the Forum for Medical Ethics Society based in Mumbai, which has been fighting for transparency in the functioning of MCI says that these connections are the root cause for the lack of adequate... (India Times, India)
210 comments Jun 4, 2009
" String of shootings and bombings? The last reported abortion clinic bombing or shooting was in October of 1998;hardly a string by anybody s definition. These are isolated incidents by disturbed people, period.Rep. Paul Broun (R-Ga.), a physician by training, said this about the death of Dr. Tiller, All life is precious; I totally disagreed with his medical ethics and medical practice. I m very pro-life as a medical doctor as well as a Congressman. But killing somebody the way he was gunned... (Human Events Online)
Hospitalized patients need better understanding of CPR and outcomes Jun 4, 2009
The study, which also involved researchers in the Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, appeared in the June 1 issue of the Journal of Medical Ethics. "The investigation indicates that doctors need to do more to help patients understand CPR procedures and 'do not resuscitate', or DNR, orders to avoid gaps between treatments used and patients' actual preferences," said the study's lead author Lauris Kaldjian, M.D., Ph. (EurekAlert!)
The Death of Dr. Tiller Jun 3, 2009
When the news came out on Sunday regarding the murder of Dr. George Tiller, the Kansas doctor who was one of the very few specializing in late-term abortions, shock was universal. Pro-life activists were quick to denounce the murder; pro-choice activists were slower but quick to lay his murder at the feet of all pro-life people. (Human Events Online)
NIGHTMARE OF NEGLECT Jun 2, 2009
Tue, 2 Jun 07:19:58 GMT. The views expressed are the author's alone. (AlertNet)
Abortion violence Jun 2, 2009
Dr Joe Cassidy, an expert in medical ethics at Durham University, believes this has played a role in the violence that has been seen. "The debate in the US has been couched in the terms of defending the defenceless. That gives some people a feeling that violence is therefore justified. "That sort of debate has never taken off in the UK. There is a feeling that it should be left to the government. (BBC News -- Health)
Out of Africa Jun 1, 2009
The African nationalist leader and foe of the government, Joshua Nkomo, was a patient there and trusted the care implicitly, for medical ethics transcended all political antagonisms. The surgeon for whom I worked, who came from England, was the best I have ever known and a man of exemplary character. (The American Conservative)
Kugan's parents file motion for return of seized items, documents May 28, 2009
Surendran said the police had raided Dr Prashants office without regard to medical ethics, professionalism and duties. This was a serious breach of medical privilge and confidentiality, especially when they know that the second post-mortem was not completed and that samples had to be sent to Australia, he said. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Announces its New Medical Advisory Council May 20, 2009
Neurology (pediatric and adult); Pediatrics; Pulmonology; Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery; Pediatric Critical Care (NICU specialist); Physiatry (rehab medicine); Psychology; Genetic Counseling and/or Medical Ethics; Physical Therapy; Occupational Therapy; Diet and Nutrition; Respiratory Therapy; Nursing. The members of the new MAC will be present at the upcoming 25th Anniversary Conference to be held in Cincinnati, OH in June. (PR Newswire)
Minnesota Boy With Cancer Vows to Resist Chemotherapy by Punching, Kicking May 20, 2009
"It can be very difficult to treat a 13-year-old boy who doesn't want to be treated," said Arthur Caplan, chair of the medical ethics department at the University of Pennsylvania. "I don't want to say it's impossible, but it makes it very tough on the doctors.". (Fox News)
Nevada lawmakers advance many bills as session end nears May 20, 2009
(AP) - With less than two weeks left in the 2009 legislative session, Nevada lawmakers voted Tuesday for bills dealing with foreclosures, energy conservation, medical ethics and elections. The Senate unanimously voted for Gov. Jim Gibbons proposal to make Nevada energy-independent by making the state an energy exporter instead of an energy importer. (KLAS-TV)
Conservative congregations celebrate Shavuot together (2) May 17, 2009
Begun in 2002 by B nai Jeshurun s Rabbi Stephen Weiss and Rudin-Luria, the evening s lessons range from Jewish literature and Jewish law to medical ethics and current events. Teenagers interested in participating also benefit from the larger group setting and community learning, explains Rabbi Edward C. Bernstein of Shaarey Tikvah. (Cleveland Jewish News, OH)
Pill wars: Should we use drugs to boost our brains? May 16, 2009
"For example, what if hospitals started to demand that medical residents dose up on methylphenidate, a drug used to improve concentration, as a prerequisite for employment?" asks Jacob Appel in an article last year in the Journal of Medical Ethics called "When the boss turns pusher." Or what if fast-food chains insisted that employees take antidepressants to keep them calm and upbeat when confronted by dissatisfied customers. Employers may face a dilemma. (Christian Science Monitor -- USA)
Senate's health cuts stir outrage May 15, 2009
"It's a lot cheaper to treat them preventively than if they have a life-threatening illness," said Dr. Michael Grodin, director of medical ethics at Boston University's School of Public Health. Grodin, who heads the Boston Center for Refugee Health and Human Rights at Boston Medical Center, said thousands of refugees he has treated over the years have complex medical problems that need comprehensive care. (Boston Globe)
Providing Free Drug Samples To Patients Risks Harm To Public Health, Experts Argue May 13, 2009
2, 2006) One in three doctors agree that free drug samples influence prescribing, finds a small but representative U.S. survey published in the Journal of Medical Ethics. But they also think that other. (Science Daily)
Genomic Medicine Institute names chief May 5, 2009
As an internationally renowned expert in the genetics of common diseases and medical ethics, Dr. Billings will provide valuable insight and experience to the first phase of our genomics program, said Jon Friedenberg, vice president of El Camino Hospital and sponsor of the Genomic Medicine Institute. With his leadership, we look forward to bringing the practical applications of genomic innovation to patients. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
