The article describes the conflict between the physician and the biomedical scientist as a basic dilemma of modern medicine. It analyses the historical roots of that conflict and discusses different ways of solution.
The article describes the conflict between the physician and the biomedical scientist as a basic dilemma of modern medicine. It analyses the historical roots of that conflict and discusses different ways of solution.
In a three-year project supported by the "Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft" the Institute for the History of Medicine, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany, evaluates methods of teaching medical ethics to medical students. Using mainly case studies during a one-week intensive course students learn how to identify ethical conflicts and to find responsible solutions. Ethical problems arising from students' involvement in patients' care are also considered. As a result of this specific aspect of teaching medical ethics an ethical code for medical students was developed.
Ethical reasoning for predictive medicine is closely related to evaluating its chances and risks, for the individual (including future generations) and society. An optimistic viewpoint will emphasize the chances of predictive medicine. Yet it will be of great importance to differentiate overall political perspectives and the effects of any single operational step in regard to its life saving properties. Whenever predictive medicine leads to irresponsible risk it has to be disapproved of.
The paper presents data on prenatal human development studied by non-invasive sonography. Furthermore clinical application of prenatal diagnostic procedures and their possibilities in the future are discussed. These facts are the basis of ethical judgement in prenatal medicine.
Genetic counseling and diagnosis are increasingly significant for individual and social life. In view of inherent practical and ethical problems in medical practice, the definition of rules in this field seems necessary. The paper provides a compilation and short argumentation of such rules. They should establish a certain qualitative standard and can serve as a foundation for future discussion.
There is no substantial difference in the prognosis of cancer patients after intensive care compared to certain other groups of patients except for the tumor patient with major respiratory problems. Hence, the general refusal of intensive care for cancer patients is not justified. Rather indication for intensive care needs careful examination of several aspects including medical science and ethics. Particular ethical problems arising in intensive care for cancer patients can be reduced by open communication between the medical team and the patient as well as between the medical specialists.
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