“Medical Ethics and the “Concept of a Good Death” Part One

Join me and expert guests Dr. Harry Moody from the AARP, author of 'The Soul of Bioethics' and 'Human Values in Aging',newsletters along with Dr.Pamela J. Grace, Associate Professor - Adult Health & Ethics at Boston College, William F. Connell School of Nursing, for the upcoming program, ‘Medical Ethics and the Concept of a Good Death.' This show will be divided into two one-hour programs. Topics for both programs will be drawn from the discipline of medical ethics and will explore the possible goals for people caring for aged parents, people who act as health care guardians, and concerns for the general public considering options regarding their own end-of-life care. This program will be presented in two parts with a second part revisiting the faith-based prerogatives and medical ethics. As we know from the sensational court cases, medical ethics when juxtaposed with religious doctrines can have various interpretations. Part Two will have guests representing the study of medical ethics along with the theological perspective regarding medical ethics in end-of-life care. Sample questions: Should a dying person be told they are dying? Who determines this and under what kinds of circumstances? What is the difference between morally correct decisions and ethical decisions? Who should and 'who does' make decisions for those who can no longer give informed consent? What are the ethical concerns in withholding life support and removing life support? How do we teach caregivers who care for the dying ( or gravely ill) to deal with their own feelings if they are at odds with the family or patient’s requests? When there is a disagreement among family members, who has the authority to mediate? What is the role of a hospital or nursing facility ethics committee? What are the issues regarding euthanasia and physician- assisted suicide? How did the case of Terri Schiavo become a national concern? What have we learned about society and