What is Transplant Ethics?
The field of transplant ethics is a specialty within the practice of clinical ethics. The goals of transplant ethics are to promote the integrity of transplant medicine, and the welfare of living donors and organ recipients. Because organs are very scarce and a precious gift, transplant ethics aims for organ allocation to those with the capacity to benefit from it.
There are many ethical dilemmas and complex situations that can arise during transplant and organ donation. Examples of transplant dilemmas include the following:
> Ethics assessment of urgent patients;
> Transplantation for those who are uninsured or underinsured;
> Assessment of patients expressing ambivalence about pursuing transplant;
> Assessment of patients with compliance problems;
> Assuring that living donations are without coercion and conflict of interest;
> Assessments of those who are non-residents/foreign nationals or those with mental health issues, or those presented for re-transplantation;
> Policy matters such as organ tourism (issues relating to treating patients who have obtained organs in foreign countries), Internet solicitation of living donors, and extended criteria organs (e.g., organs from older donors).
Additionally, the ethicist can work with cardiac teams and patients who are considering permanent or bridge use of ventricular assist devices.
If you are a physician/staff member, patient, potential organ donor, someone who has donated, or a partner/caregiver and need ethics advice, you may request an ethics consult from Dr. Bramstedt by calling 415-600-1645 or 415-600-3991.
Transplant Ethics Community Education Event on Sept. 1st
The Department of Transplantation and the Program in Medicine & Human Values invite you to a transplant ethics community education event at California Pacific Medical Center. Come enjoy light fare and an informative lecture on hot topics in transplant ethics and learn how this novel ethics program benefits patients, living donors, families, and medical staff.
Date: September 1, 2009 at 6:30pm.
Location: California Pacific Medical Center Pacific Campus
Enright Room (lobby level)
2333 Buchanan Street
San Francisco, Calif.
Dress: business casual
RSVP: txbioethics@yahoo.com (seating is limited)
The transplant ethics program operates entirely on philanthropic support. If you would like to make a donation please contact Dr. Bramstedt at 415-600-1645.