Students whose behaviour causes concern: Ethical perspective
BMJ 2008; 337 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.a2882 (Published 29 December 2008) Cite this as: BMJ 2008;337:a2882
- Deborah Bowman, senior lecturer in medical ethics and law
- 1Centre for Medical and Healthcare Education, St George’s, University of London, London SW17 0RE
- dbowman{at}sgul.ac.uk
This account captures well the contrast between defining standards of behaviour and navigating effective implementation of those standards. Four issues arise. Firstly, even when standards are defined, application of those standards is a moral enterprise that can be confusing and frustrating. Secondly, cultural relativism may be seductive when working overseas. Thirdly, students have to discharge significant responsibilities in a system where power imbalance and complex role delineation prevail. Finally, the question of who owns a problem is a bar to effective resolution.
Were the authors correct to identify this …
Log in
Log in using your username and password
Log in through your institution
Subscribe from £173 *
Subscribe and get access to all BMJ articles, and much more.
* For online subscription
Access this article for 1 day for:
£38 / $45 / €42 (excludes VAT)
You can download a PDF version for your personal record.