Ward Ethics

The existing literature in medical ethics does not serve the practical needs of medical students and trainees very well, as the dilemmas posed are generally beyond their direct control, and being a student or junior doctor brings its own set of ethical concerns. The editors have addressed this need by compiling a series of case studies from around the world and inviting an international team of leading ethicists and clinicians to comment on them. Over 80 actual cases cover the range of possible problems a medical trainee may encounter on the ward, from drug and alcohol abuse, whistleblowing and improper sexual conduct to performing procedures, handling authority, disclosure, blaming, personal responses to patients, and misrepresentation of research. The book will be an essential guide on how to cope with the ethical dilemmas of those embarking on medical careers.

‘The book addresses a huge range of topics that will be familiar to many readers from performing procedures and the place of humour on the ward round to whistle blowing on colleagues - the list is exhaustive.’

Source: British Medical Journal

‘The mode of writing adds appeal and immediacy to the text. Authors frequently tell stories of difficulties during their own training … which complement the stories of the students and residents … much of the advice is wise and helpful, and the writers avoid platitudinous suggestions about standing up for ‘the right’ in the face of instructions from seniors and teachers … a very commendable and very complex piece of work, whose breadth, thoroughness, wisdom and practicality make it readable and valuable. Kushner and Thomasma are to be congratulated for addressing such an important, and usually occult, field of ethics. In this undertaking, trainees and students have found a voice.’

Source: Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine

‘… this book would be a useful read for almost anyone concerned about the state of modern medical education … the cases are well organized, and each chapter is followed by discussion questions … physicians and medical trainees will identify with the scenarios discussed in this book. One common thread throughout these disparate and sad tales is the failure to meet rather obvious ethical and legal standards of high quality care.’

Source: The Left Atrium

‘… an excellent account of ethical issues in everyday clinical practice … Brilliant case studies … I would recommend it as a ‘must’ to anybody embarking on a medical career.’

Source: Nursing Ethics

‘Ward Ethics is also very suitable for trainee doctors, if not all doctors, and I would recommend it to anyone with the slightest interest in medical ethics.’

Source: Journal of Medical Ethics

‘I wish I had had access to a similar book to guide me at the time when I had to deal with these difficult, and sometimes unpleasant, situations. No doubt I would have made some wiser decisions.’

Source: Hong Kong Medical Journal

'Ward Ethics presents a well-organised and broad overview of ethical dilemmas faced by medical students and junior doctors … the book remains a major step in dealing with the problem frequently neglected in the past … Ward Ethics is an important step in addressing this problem at its conception.'

Source: Progress in Palliative Care

‘… I think this book is excellent … this challenging book will improve the ward ethics of any reader.’

Source: Ethics & Medicine