I discovered biomedical ethics in college and it led me to study philosophy in graduate school. In the past 20 years, I have taught many bioethics and related courses; this is my 4th CCSA course. I think you are really going to love it.
I love to travel and have visited Italy, Switzerland, England, and South Africa as an adult. When I was young, I lived with my family in Tehran and San Francisco, among other places around the U.S. Teaching in London brings me full circle, because it is where I was born. Hosting AFS exchange students is another way to bring cultural difference into my life; my husband and I have sons from Turkey and Bahrain, plus “nephews” from Ghana and Bosnia and "nieces" from Hungary, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Spain.
My active research interests focus on reducing barriers to good end of life planning, teaching interfaith understanding, and teaching bioethics for pre-med and medical students.
In this dynamic biomedical ethics course, you'll dive into pressing debates surrounding patients' rights, medical research standards, national responses to global pandemics, and the intricacies of doctor-patient relationships. Tailored for students in pre-health professions, health care administration, and global health services, this course offers a unique opportunity to explore these critical issues while experiencing London and Edinburgh's rich history and multicultural landscape.
As you visit iconic sites like St. Giles' Cathedral, St. Paul's Cathedral, and vibrant Chinatown, you'll immerse yourself in the cities' cultures. Engage with history at the Science Museum, the Old Operating Theatre, and the Florence Nightingale Museum, and explore the poignant stories at Highgate Cemetery and the Dover War Tunnels. Additionally, you'll tour modern healthcare facilities, all leading up to thought-provoking discussions on ethical topics such as cloning, euthanasia, truth-telling, and stem cell research.
This course not only equips you with a deep understanding of biomedical ethics but also fulfills Honors course requirements, making it an ideal choice for those eager to engage with these vital issues in a global context.