ISD II – Infectious Diseases

Ethics/Humanities/Health Law

Short Paper Topics

Those of you who selected the option of writing short essays during the ISD I & II course should submit your next essay by May 30. Below are some possible topics.

1. Arthur Caplan argues (in one of the readings in your package for the ID session) that it is a mistake to assume that “bad ethics” necessarily leads to “bad science.” This points to an ethical dilemma we face when confronted with an ethically flawed research program that has nonetheless yielded valuable results. Should the results of such research be ignored because of the ethical problems with the research or should the research be used in spite of those flaws? Write an essay which addresses this question. (Be sure to consider the reasons that can be offered in support of the opposing views on this topic, i.e., don’t simply present a one-sided argument.)

2. Medical research that poses a significant level of risk is intrinsically problematic. Even if subjects can be found who will consent to participation in such research, concerns about the legitimacy of the consent and about our duties to protect subjects may make us uncomfortable with such research. In a recent article, it was proposed that these problems may be solved by, in certain situations, using brain dead patients or patients with a life expectancy of only a few hours as research subjects. Discuss this proposal.

(The article, “Revisiting Ethical Guidelines for Research with Terminal Wean and Brain-Dead Participants” by Rebecca Pentz et al, can be found in The Hastings Center Report 33 (2003): 20-26.)

3. The recent case of Nancy Olivieri highlighted the problem of conflict of interest in medical research. Olivieri wished to release information concerning the efficacy of a drug she was involved in studying. The study sponsor sought to block the release of this information. Discuss the Olivieri case and any implications it has for how medical research should be governed. (For some discussion of the case see http://www.caut.ca/english/issues/acadfreedom/olivieri.asp.)

[Note: topic #3 previously appeared among the topics for the Gastroenterology unit.]

You may also write on a topic of your own choosing provided it deals with one of the broad subjects covered in the ISD II course (i.e., neurology, gastroenterology, etc.). Please see either John Crellin or Andrew Latus to discuss a topic.