PHI 382 Post 9/11: Healthcare Ethics in Disaster Planning and Response

After 9/11, preparing for and responding to disasters - natural, accidental, and intentional- have assumed a new level of urgency.Ethical issues intersect on macro, institutional, micro, social, cultural, and personal levels.This course examines issues specific to healthcare.Our health system faces daunting questions regarding the reach of government powers, the scope of health professionals' duties, coercive measures for public safety, and the rationing of scarce medical resources (e.g. vaccines, ventilators, ICU beds).Lessons from the past and from other cultures will challenge us to reflect on whether we as a society can sufficiently balance individual rights and interests with the public good and common ground.While not recommended for first-year students, interested first-year students are advised to consult with the instructor. (L06).