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Pharmaceutical enhancement and medical professionals
1The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400, Pressler, Houston, Tx, 77030-3722, USA, genck@mdanderson.org.
Medicine, Health Care, and Philosophy
|August 8, 2013
Summary
Young medical professionals increasingly use pharmaceutical enhancements. This paper argues they may have a responsibility to use cognitive enhancers to improve patient care through enhanced focus and concentration.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Growing use of pharmaceutical enhancements among young medical professionals.
- Advancements in pharmaceutical technology increase accessibility.
- Potential for cognitive augmentation to impact patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the ethical implications of pharmaceutical enhancements in medicine.
- To determine if medical professionals have a responsibility to use cognitive enhancers.
- To examine the potential benefits of enhanced focus and concentration for patient care.
Main Methods:
- Philosophical argument and ethical analysis.
- Review of emerging data on pharmaceutical enhancement use.
- Discussion of cognitive enhancement's impact on medical practice.
Main Results:
- Pharmaceutical enhancements can augment neurological capacities, potentially improving focus and concentration.
- In specific situations, enhanced cognitive function may be crucial for optimal patient care.
- A potential ethical responsibility for medical professionals to utilize these enhancements exists.
Conclusions:
- Medical professionals may have a responsibility to use pharmaceutical cognitive enhancements in certain circumstances.
- This responsibility is contingent on the enhancement's ability to improve patient care.
- Further research is needed on the limitations and implications for medical practice.
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