Shannon and Jake
An Application of Medical Ethics Principles
Author(s)
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.
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; STDTopical Areas
Ethics, Legal issues, Scientific argumentation, Social issuesEducational Level
Graduate, Professional (degree program), Continuing educationFormat
PDFType / Methods
Dilemma/Decision; DebateLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Medicine (General) | Public Health |
Date Posted
01/06/06Teaching Notes
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