NOTE: The coordinators welcome participants who have not previously engaged in medical ethics discourses as well as those who joined them during the past two years in their bioethics courses.

This first quarter of the 21st century has included dazzling advances in medical care for only some individuals. Why is access to healthcare not a basic human right? How is human wellbeing affected by ecosystems and climate change? Why did a worldwide pandemic catch the world off guard, and why is the US not a leader in remediation and containment efforts? How is it possible that chemicals and biologicals remain weapons of mass destruction rather than tools for mass salvation? How do structural biases baked into hospitals and other institutions foster racism, sexism, ageism, and discrimination against immigrants, the poor, and people of color? Who has responsibility to promote the common good? When will scientific truths be prized again? Can healthcare be equitably provided to all? How might civil discourse be restored in the US and opposing viewpoints reconciled? What could each of us do to advance constructive change?

Format: The syllabus will include links to online materials appropriate for each session. Each participant is encouraged to volunteer to do one half-hour presentation based on assigned resources.

Resources/Expenses: There is no text and there are no anticipated expenses.