Rapid advances in genomic technologies over the past decade are transforming the practice of medicine. These advances offer a range of potential benefits to patients and providers, but they also raise many theoretical and practical issues that providers across the healthcare spectrum must grapple with in patient care and research. This 2-unit, synchronous course is designed for genetic counseling students, graduate students in genetics, medical students, residents, fellows, and nurses interested in the intersection of genetics and bioethics in medical practice and clinical research. It is open to undergraduates and graduate or professional students from other parts of the university with consent of the instructor. The course will employ a combination of readings and asynchronous video lectures to provide an overview of the field and the theoretical approaches to bioethics that have been derived from philosophy. These will cover central topics, including informed consent, confidentiality, communication, health equity, cultural relativism, clinical research and decision-making. Students will then apply these concepts to key areas of ethical debate in genetics, including reproductive technologies, gene therapy, and newborn screening. Synchronous discussion and debate will be employed to facilitate development of students' critical thinking and ethical decision-making skills in practice. Substantial class attendance is required, and the quality of class participation will play a significant role in grading. Trigger Warning: this course will deal with many topics that can be difficult and unsettling, particularly clinical issues around end-of-life care as well as issues related to inequity in healthcare. If these topics will be challenging for you, please consider carefully whether the course is a good fit. The instructor and TA are happy to meet to discuss any concerns.
2 units · Medical Option (Med-Ltr-CR/NC)
Rapid advances in genomic technologies over the past decade are transforming the practice of medicine. These advances offer a range of potential benefits to patients and providers, but they also raise many theoretical and practical issues that providers across the healthcare spectrum must grapple with in patient care and research. This 2-unit, synchronous course is designed for genetic counseling students, graduate students in genetics, medical students, residents, fellows, and nurses interested in the intersection of genetics and bioethics in medical practice and clinical research. It is open to undergraduates and graduate or professional students from other parts of the university with consent of the instructor. The course will employ a combination of readings and asynchronous video lectures to provide an overview of the field and the theoretical approaches to bioethics that have been derived from philosophy. These will cover central topics, including informed consent, confidentiality, communication, health equity, cultural relativism, clinical research and decision-making. Students will then apply these concepts to key areas of ethical debate in genetics, including reproductive technologies, gene therapy, and newborn screening. Synchronous discussion and debate will be employed to facilitate development of students' critical thinking and ethical decision-making skills in practice. Substantial class attendance is required, and the quality of class participation will play a significant role in grading. Trigger Warning: this course will deal with many topics that can be difficult and unsettling, particularly clinical issues around end-of-life care as well as issues related to inequity in healthcare. If these topics will be challenging for you, please consider carefully whether the course is a good fit. The instructor and TA are happy to meet to discuss any concerns.
Offered in Winter 2027 at Stanford University.