Week 13 - Ethics

It was surprising to me when I looked at the curriculum for our MPH program and there wasn't a course dedicated solely to ethics. Even more surprising was learning how little time professionals in the world of health are required to spend considering ethical questions and that there is no continued compulsory education in ethics. I strongly support the adherence to the ethical contract we reviewed in class which Dr. Shahi helped to formulate, and I believe that training in ethics should be obligatory in the undergraduate years as it once was, as well as every subsequent level of higher education. Not only would this make for a contemporary, educated workforce, but also boost the professional image and credibility of those in health.
One thing I really enjoy about public health is that it is inherent in our work that we dare to address so many issues that ethically all people should recognize, but would often rather ignore. It is important to review the overall effect of interventions and aid in the name of public health however, because as we discussed in class, just going in and helping for a little while then pulling out does not make for a sustainable change.
I loved the fact that Christina acknowledged the subject of torture as a public health as well as ethical issue, and something that has drawn so much hypocrisy. We in the US can not call ourselves peace keepers when we commit the same acts, if not worse, as those we so strongly oppose.
The bottom line is that there needs to be more accountability and better education. People are not making good choices, especially those in power. In addition, something that Dr. Shahi's ethical contract addressed is the need for an enhanced system of trust among professionals. We discussed the need for extreme surveillance systems in top secret jobs, which can be somewhat helpful, but I have always found that environments of distrust tend to breed negative and suspicious behavior. People need to have a certain amount of responsibility and ownership, and know that others rely on them to be trust worthy. Again, there is a balance to be met here. I know this seems rather vague, but hopefully it makes a little sense!