In this subject, an ethical perspective in medicine will be introduced. Ethical dimension in medicine and health care cannot be overemphasized given the historical experience and social context of biomedical progress (e.g., tragic events in the 20th century such as misuse of normative models, the intellectual elite´s failure in totalitarian regimes etc.). The impressive biotechnological advancement has expanded both diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities clinical practice. At the same, it has brought about new challenges and ethical dilemmas. During the lectures, a brief overview of ethical theories, philosophical underpinnings, and main ethical principles will be provided. During the seminars, on the other hand, specific ethical dilemmas, which clinicians may face in different medical specialties, will be discussed. The aim is to encourage the students´ ability to adopt different perspectives in ethically challenging situations including their ability to reflect on their own stance and possible solutions. On top of that, the subject aims at fostering the students ´ethical awareness as a precondition for their ability to find appropriate solutions in real clinical situations.
Entry requirements
Last update: Bc. Iva Malířová (09.02.2024)
Accomplished obligatory subjects General Medicine program 1st year.
Aim of the course
Last update: Bc. Iva Malířová (09.02.2024)
The main aim of the subject is to introduces the three important areas of medical ethics to students: a) theoretical foundations and main principles of medical ethics; b) ethical codes and other important documents/guidelines related to medical ethics on both national and international level; c) overview of ethical dilemmas, which doctors may face in their clinical branches of medicine during their practice.
Requirements to the exam
Last update: Bc. Iva Malířová (09.02.2024)
Credit:
attendance 80%, aktivity during seminars, essay writing.
Syllabus
Last update: Bc. Iva Malířová (09.02.2024)
Lectures:
Vojtěch Erbrt, M.D. (Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital)
Aleš Fibír, M.D., PhD. (Department of Surgery, University Hospital)
Lenka Kohoutková, MSc. (Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital)
Prof. Jiří Mareš, Ph.D. (Dept. of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine)
Prof. Emil Rudolf, Ph.D. (Dept. of Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine)
Assoc. Prof. I. Sedláková, M.D., PhD. (Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital)
David Skorunka, M.D., PhD. (Dept. of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine)
and other teachers (please see the syllabus)
Lectures:
Introduction to (bio)ethics. Main principles of medical ethics. An overview of areas with typical ethical dilemmas in contemporary medicine. Ethical aspects of doctor-patient relationship. (dr. D. Skorunka)
Ethical norms in medicine from Hippocrates to Convention on Biomedicine. Informed Consent. The Ethics in medical research. Role of ethical committees (dr. D. Skorunka)
Seminars:
Ethics in clinical genetics. Research and experiments with humans. Embryonic stem cells, cloning, gene editing. (prof. E. Rudolf)
Ethical and legal aspects in gynaecology and obstetrics. Ethics in reproductive medicine. (Assoc. prof. I. Sedláková)
Ethical dilemmas in paediatrics. (L. Kohoutková, MSc.)
Ethical aspects in surgery including tissue and organ transplants (dr. A. Fibír)
Ethical dilemmas in psychiatry and mental health. Mandatory treatment and hospitalization. Assessment of legal competence. (dr. D. Skorunka)
Ethical aspects of couple and family relationships. Child protection. Adoption and foster families. The rights of parents and children regarding medical treatment. (dr. V. Erbrt)
Thanatology: death and dying. Euthanasia, assisted dying or assisted suicide? Living will. (Mgr. M. Ulrichová?)
Ethical and legal aspects of palliative treatment/care. Palliative care in different settings. (dr. V. Šafka?)
Credit seminar – discussion about essays. In the essay, the students are expected to show the ability to: a) understand the example of an ethical dilemma; b) recognize the breach of ethical principles; c) choose the most appropriate solution in an example. (dr. V. Erbrt)
