Violence in Medicine: Necessary and Unnecessary, Intentional and Unintentional- An Ethics Course (1 credit hour)
Program Summary: This course explores the concept of violence in medicine and healthcare. Examples may include violence to the body (cancer treatments, dissection, surgery), structural violence (under-resourced patients), violence in language (illness is war, fight), or demeaning interactions (patient is non-compliant). The course examines how the construct of medicine as savior affects the ethical principles of beneficence, autonomy, informed consent, decision-making, futility, and dignity. Alternative metaphors for treatment are offered.
This course is recommended for medical social workers and is appropriate for beginning and intermediate levels of practice. This course is not recommended for NBCC ethics credit.