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Summary
Physicians can manage medical ethics with training, but philosophical ethicists argue they lack sufficient expertise. This paper suggests ethicists should focus on education and study, not clinical decisions, which are for patients and doctors.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Bioethics Education
Background:
- The FME symposium addressed competence and responsibility in bioethics.
- Disagreement exists between medical and philosophical participants regarding physician capabilities in medical ethics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the roles of physicians and medical ethicists in handling medico-ethical issues.
- To define the scope of involvement for medical ethicists in clinical decision-making.
Main Methods:
- The study is based on discussions and arguments presented at the FME symposium.
- Analysis of differing perspectives from medical and philosophical professionals.
Main Results:
- Medical participants believe physicians are adequately or can be trained for medical ethics.
- Philosophically trained participants contend physicians cannot sufficiently manage medico-ethical problems.
Conclusions:
- A collaborative approach is proposed, involving medical ethicists in education and systematic study.
- Clinical medico-moral decision-making should remain the domain of ethically competent patients and physicians.
Keywords:
Bioethics and Professional Ethics