Short articles in clinical ethics

Abstract

In a recent meeting to discuss the teaching of ethics and communication a first year student was mentioned who had plainly stated that he would not hesitate to terminate the life of a suffering patient. This of course alarmed the tutors and one questions whether such a student should be on the medical course. Of course upon reflection one asks what is the point of doing ethics with students - is it to indoctrinate or is it to help them reach correct moral conclusions by facilitation and by cultivating their thoughts and direct them from feelings to good rational reasoning? Are we saying that because someone is in favour of euthanasia then he should not be in the medical course? These are intriguing questions in clinical ethics. One can forgive faculties of theology for being more didactic and directive. When it comes to medical curricula and a medical school receiving foreign students, one asserts the obligation to be more open.