Reflection on Ethics of Research

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As a transfer student, I came to Penn in order to explore the ethical implications at the forefront of practicing innovative medicine, which are often overlooked. I fully believe that new technology is necessary to save lives; however, as such innovation makes our bodies withstand space and time, we should still remain ethically grounded to earth. Currently, I am studying philosophy so I can fully appreciate the intersection between science and morality.

My interest in medical ethics and consent stems from my familial experiences with the health system and how they were facilitated through communication and informed consent processes. I’ve begun probing these interests with organizations on campus, but working on projects related to exception from informed consent (EFIC) has directly enhanced my understanding of the conversations we must have with the community, and some of the steps we must take to better align research with the patient’s wishes. I’ve learned that there is so much to learn in this realm, and that investigating such gray boundaries should be a priority for every researcher and every clinician.

Through this project, I’ve been exposed to so many perspectives I had previously never considered, such as family dynamics, education, religious values, and beliefs about medicine and health. During the actual project, working with fellow undergraduates with diverse educational goals, as well reviewing work in humanities, medicine, ethics, and other social science fields, has enriched my ability to see biomedical issues more holistically.

In the future, I aspire to further analyze these aspects of medicine and advance both patient and clinical education in terms of the consent process.

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