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Goals and Objectives

Due to the growing complexity of medical and health care issues, the field of medical ethics is assuming increased importance in medicine and in our society. Issues include such topics as informed consent, community responsibility, genetic engineering, allocation of resources, maternal/fetal rights, euthanasia, and assessing benefit/futility of medical technology.

Such topics play a critical role in the practice and the continuing medical education of physicians, nurses, medical students, and allied health personnel. These issues, as well as new problems which continue to arise from our expanding scientific technologies, demonstrate the need for the study of ethics within the realm of medicine. In 1987 Sanford USD Medical Center responded to that need by forming the Center for Biomedical Ethics.

Now known as the Center for Ethics and Caring at Sanford USD Medical Center, the Center provides a variety of resources for those interested in biomedical ethics, including professionals in health care, local schools, colleges, and our community.

As part of its role in the education of health professionals, the Center for Ethics and Caring works closely with the University of South Dakota School of Medicine, assisting with lectures and small group seminars for students. In a collaborative effort with Augustana College, there is now a Masters in Biomedical Ethics. Limited financial grants are offered to graduate students involved in the study of bioethics.

Also in concert with Augustana College, the Center sponsors periodic ethics forums for the community. These forums have covered topics such as advanced directives, justice and health care, reproductive technologies, ethics committees, and business ethics.

The Center can assist in scheduling speakers and providing resources for instructors, schools, hospitals, and other organizations. The Center has personnel available to answer questions, teach, and to research issues in biomedical ethics.