Ethical Questions?

[emmar]

Anyway, seems like you'll be clued up and prepared for your interview(s).

Or thats what we have to get the interviewers to believe

[wiseman]

can they ask you about euthanasia or abortion 'cos your religion may dictate your view on the matter.

They certainly can, and they often do.

If your religion dictates your view when you're interviewed, it's likely to do so when you become a doctor - therefore it's important to find out how you think.

In response to previous questions:

1 - If they ask you what YOU would do and you are not sure, simply say you would discuss with colleagues. No point having the courage of your convictions if they are ill-placed or you are not totally sure. One duty of the doctor is to be aware of his limitations

2 - Another duty of the doctor is not to let his own views prejudice his care. That means that you must let go of your own point of view and do what is in the best interest of the patient. An orthodox religious person who refuses to treat a patient because of his own beliefs would get reported to the GMC. In fact one of the questions they sometimes ask is " What would you do if one of your collleagues refuses to treat a known rapist in A&E". Answer: You have to report them to their superior and make sure someone treats the patient (maybe you!).

[M Clayton]

oh well, that doesnt really worry me, but I think it might be slightly unfair on someone who is religiously orthadox.

Why?

1 - If they ask you what YOU would do and you are not sure, simply say you would discuss with colleagues. No point having the courage of your convictions if they are ill-placed or you are not totally sure. One duty of the doctor is to be aware of his limitations

I'm afraid that's not an answer that will wash with some interviewers (believe me, I tried it). They'll simply press you by making the situation even more unrealistic in the "suppose it's an emergency and you can't contact a senior colleague before the patient dies" style. I agree that you need to be aware of your limitations but we're not talking about a real life situation here - in my experience nothing in medicine is anything like as simple as the scenarios you are presented in interviews. Sometimes you have to bite the bullet and get off the fence.

[shampagne]

cos it could be a choice between your religious beliefs and your desired career. I dont really care but someone with deep religious beliefs might, but then again, I wouldn't trust a Raelian with a scalpel a mile off.

wots a raelian?

[Ching]

*eyebrow raise* They what? Would that count as religious belief? I mean this will evidently affect their moral code but are they allowed to believe in different gods?

[Ching]

No I meant within the organisation itself...

But that website is quite scary... all those different languages and the whole idea of... yea :shock:

[chahalg]

i was asked my views on euthanasia at my interview. i gave my answer and I wasnt asked any more on the topic and I got a place so I assume it was ok.

I mentioning your own religious views is asking for further questions/ grilling. Of primary importance is what the Law says on the matter, and as a reminder euthanasia in this country is still Illegal!
I did mention the old morphine duel principle shortening life thing but im sure they were more concerned in not training up another Dr shipman rather than an expert in medical ethics.

Its also a good test of your debating skills.

[Laura Stevens]

This topic scares me. I know very little about medical ethics. :shock:

[Mac5800]

Chahalg, that morphine thing-is it that morphine relieves pain but also shortens life? or am i way off...

[fatcat]

It's related to the double effect doctrine. Here's a definition:

http://www.ethics-network.org.uk/Eth...ife.htm#double

The whole website is really good for medical ethical info.