Clinical Ethics: What, When, and How do we teach it to resident physicians?

Abstract: Clinical ethics education plays a pivotal role in shaping the ethical competencies of resident physicians, ensuring their ability to navigate complex ethical dilemmas encountered in clinical practice. Despite its recognized importance by accrediting bodies such as the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), GME programs encounter various barriers in effectively integrating clinical ethics into their curricula. These barriers include limited scholarship elucidating the long-term outcomes of different teaching methodologies, ambiguous guidance, and disparities in resource accessibility.

This paper aims to address these challenges by offering practical guidance derived from the experiences of practicing clinical ethicists engaged in providing consultation services at academic health centers or collaborating closely with GME programs. Drawing upon their insights, the paper identifies key topics that GME programs should prioritize within their curriculum and proposes strategies for accessing expert assistance when program faculty lack requisite experience.

Furthermore, the paper explores innovative approaches to incorporating ethics education within the constraints of limited curriculum time, recognizing the competing demands faced by GME programs. By synthesizing the perspectives of experienced clinical ethicists, this paper provides GME programs with actionable recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of their clinical ethics education initiatives. Through a comprehensive analysis of pertinent issues and practical solutions, this paper seeks to foster a culture of ethical awareness and competency among resident physicians, ultimately enhancing patient care and promoting ethical practice within the healthcare profession.