Ethical Dilemmas in the Health Industry
(Prof. Gregory Katz and guest lecturers / 30 hours)

This seminar analyses the ethical tensions of the healthcare sector and their socio-economic impact. It attempts to identify the pathologies of power as well as the methods of converting scientific advancement into social progress. Sessions deal with a wide variety of topics including: human genome patentability, genetic tests and health insurance companies, biobanking and regenerative medicine, innovation management and the precautionary principle, orphan drugs and rare diseases, access to treatment in developing countries, end of life and palliative care, etc. All these topics open a dialogue between conviction and responsibility, performance and risk, price and dignity. The teaching approach is based on case studies, role plays, videos, and extensive class debates. The international experience of lecturers aims at broadening the scope of the debate beyond cultural differences. Course evaluation is based on class participation, a book review, a group presentation, a mid-term and a final exam.