Clinical ethics involves the identification, analysis, and resolution of ethical issues that arise in the care of specific cases.  That is when the principles and theories of ethics as well as an individual's world view are tested in real time.

The American Medical Association (AMA) encourages study and discussion of cases by adding a new clinical dilemma to its "Virtual Mentor" webpage each month along with two or more commentaries by individuals experienced in clinical ethics.

The Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity is actively encourages the development and commentary of clinical cases from a Christian worldview.  A team of Clinical Ethics Fellows from CBHD participates in this exchange under the direction of Robert D. Orr, the Center's Consultant on Clinical Ethics.  This team includes among others: Daniel A. Beals, Robert E. Cranston, Susan Haack, Paul J. Hoehner, Steven N. Nelson, Gregory W. Rutecki, Martha Twaddle, and Ferdinand D. Yates.

Questions or comments may be sent to Dr. Orr at rorr@cbhd.org. 

AMA Virtual Mentor Case Study Archive

December, 2006: Relief organizations with counseling restrictions, Robert D. Orr 

May, 2006: The Myth of Value Neutrality, Paul Hoehner

May, 2006: Physician Values and Clinical Decision Making, Andrew Fergusson

May, 2005: The Evangelizing Patient, John Dunlop

February, 2004: When the Physicians Medical Judgment is Rejected, Robert E. Cranston

February, 2004: Finding the Balance in Shared Decision Making, Daniel A. Beals

November, 2003: Please Don't Say Anything - Partner Notification and the Patient-Physician Relationship, Gregory W. Rutecki

October, 2003: Psychiatrist's Role in Involuntary Hospitalization, Robert D. Orr

August, 2003: Faith-Based Decisions: Parents Who Refuse Appropriate Care for Their Child, Robert D. Orr

Other Case Studies Produced by CBHD Fellows and Friends

Ethics & Medicine 24:2  "Clinical Ethics Dilemmas: Is it Permissibile to Forgo Life-Saving Dialysis?" Robert Cranston

Ethics & Medicine 24:1  "Clinical Ethics Dilemmas: Is it Permissible to Shut Off this Pacemaker?" Ferdinand D. Yates, Jr. and Robert D. Orr

Ethics & Medicine 23:3  "Clinical Ethics Dilemmas: Permissibility to Stop Off-Label Use of Expensive Drug Treatment for Child." Daniel A. Beals

Ethics & Medicine 23:2  "Clinical Ethics Dilemmas: Permissibility to Accept Refusal of Potentially Life-Saving Treatment." Gregory W. Rutecki

Ethics & Medicine 23:1  "Clinical Ethics Dilemmas: Permissibility to Stop Man’s Ventilator on his Request (SDA Minister)."  John Dunlop

Today’s Christian Doctor XXXVII, no 3.  "Clinical Ethics Consultation: To Intubate or Not to Intubate."  Robert D. Orr

Ethics & Medicine 22.3.  "Clinical Ethics Dilemmas: Limitation of Treatment Decisions for Unwanted Neonate."  Susan Haak

Ethics & Medicine 21:3.  "Clinical Ethics Case Consultation: Feeding Tube after Stroke."  Ferdinand D. Yates

Ethics & Medicine 21:2.  "Clinical Ethics Dilemmas: Adolescent Jehovah’s Witness Refuses Transfusion."  Robert E. Cranston and Daniel A. Beals

Ethics & Medicine 18:3.  "Clinical Ethics Case Consultation: Painful Experimental Surgery on Handicapped Newborn."  Robert D. Orr

Ethics & Medicine 18:2.  "Clinical Ethics Case Consultation: Blood Products and/or ECMO in Infant of Jehovah’s Witness Parents."  Robert D. Orr

Ethics & Medicine 18:1.  "Clinical Ethics Case Consultation: Feeding Tube after Stroke."  Robert D. Orr

Pending Case Studies

Today’s Christian Doctor 38:1 (pending)  "Clinical Ethics Consultation: She’s Not Ready to Die."  J. Reitman

Hastings Center Report July/August 2007.  (pending) "Refusal of Blood by Jehovah’s Witness Adolescent."  Robert D. Orr

Today’s Christian Doctor 38:2 (pending)  "Clinical Ethics Consultation: MD Attempts Suicide."  Robert E. Cranston