Week 8: Research issues, justice, and conflicts of
interest
Objectives
Be familiar with the concept of informed consent as required for treatment
and as required for research
Be able to describe the differences between medical research and
experimental treatment, as well as the ways in which the two can be hard to
distinguish
Be aware of arguments for, and against, including racial and other
differences in research design
Understand the historical legacy which can make Blacks and other
minorities suspicious of the medical establishment
Be able to discuss issues of international justice and the concept of
exploitation in relation to the conduct of research in developing countries
Explain how research ethics falls under the general heading of conflicts
of interest facing physicians, and give examples of other conflicts of
interest that pose ethical challenges
