Clinical Bioethics and Law

This is an intensive course in law and bioethics in the clinical setting. Students are assigned to observe clinical care and ethical issues as they arise in at least two settings: typically, an intensive care unit (ICU) and a medical unit; typically, both are at Shadyside Hospital. Students spend time in the clinical setting two mornings and one full day per week. They “round” (i.e., accompany physicians, residents, and other health care professionals on clinical rounds), observe family meetings or ethics consultations, and engage in other observations. Students are expected to complete a self-paced medical terminology text. Students must attend an orientation session (time and location to be determined). There are also two seminars each week at which attendance is required. Clinical Ethics (Wednesdays 4-6 pm, Shadyside Hospital) usually requires a case presentation, a written case analysis, maintenance of a journal or field notes of the clinical experience, and submission of those field notes for review and comment. Social Science Perspectives on Medicine and Health Care (Tuesdays, 4-6 pm, Oakland campus) requires seminar discussion of assigned readings. A short paper may be assigned. This is a full-time course, and students do not have time to work while enrolled in it. Students may not do an externship concurrently.