Internists will be faced with an onslaught of chronic diseases gone haywire because patients are not risking an office visit. Who are these physicians responsible to, and what are they responsible for? How should public health officials respond when important local rituals increase risk of contagion? Apply Theory (Specific Professional Healthcare Competencies + Clinical Medical […]
An 18-year-old male who had been diagnosed at age 7 with a rare, progressive liver disease was referred to the transplant center and received a transplant, even though he did not meet the center’s criteria for a patient with hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS). Complications required relisting the patient urgently, but he eventually fully recovered; total hospital […]
We are all being torn apart from those we love. Are we failing one of our primary duties to our loved ones in order to protect them? Why or Why Not? Apply Theory (Specific Professional Healthcare Competencies + Clinical Medical Ethical Principles) to Practice in order to provide Optimal Patient-Centered Care (OPCC)
An 11-year-old girl was hospitalized because of sudden odd seizure-like symptoms and catatonic affect, highlighting several communication issues. Therefore, the correct diagnosis was initially missed and also led to missed opportunities to provide appropriate care for this young patient. How might transfers between medical facilities be reimagined to improve patient care, rather than being seen […]
When rationing limited health care resources, How should clinicians integrate mental health into epidemic responses? Apply Theory (Specific Professional Healthcare Competencies + Clinical Medical Ethical Principles) to Practice in order to provide Optimal Patient-Centered Care (OPCC)
A young person is suffering a prolonged and gruesome end–of–life journey, which raised questions regarding the healthcare team’s role in alleviating suffering as part of their care. This patient caused the healthcare team to struggle with forms of suffering experienced by patients, families, and healthcare providers. How do you respond to suffering? What are your […]
Should experimental vaccines ever be used in vulnerable populations during an epidemic? Why (when yes)? Why Not (when no)? What would determine whether or not to use experimental vaccines in this patient population? Apply Theory (Specific Professional Healthcare Competencies + Clinical Medical Ethical Principles) to Practice in order to provide Optimal Patient-Centered Care (OPCC)
A patient returns to the hospital with morbid obesity, obesity hypoventilation syndrome and numerous ICU admissions. The first ethics consultation was requested regarding the permissibility of forcing bariatric surgery on him against his will. The second consultation was regarding a request by nursing staff to no longer attempt to mobilize him. The third was regarding […]
Due to short-staffing during this pandemic, various other options for staffing are being considered. Should fourth-year medical students graduate early? Should graduate nursing students distribute medication without supervision? What are the Pros and Cons?? What is our professional duty to treat in the face of personal danger? Apply Theory (Specific Professional Healthcare Competencies + Clinical […]
A 65-year-old man comes to his physicians with complaints of abdominal pain that is persistent but not extreme. Workup reveals that he has metastatic cancer of the pancreas. The man has just retired from a busy professional career, and he and his wife are about to leave on a round-the-world cruise that they’ve been planning […]
Camille M. Renella, RN, CME, LNC
Clinical Medical Ethicist/Legal Nurse Consultant
Institute of Medicine Chicago (IOMC) Fellow
Executive Director