Ethical Issues in End-of-Life Care
Published on June 28, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast! Today, I'm thrilled to be joined by Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in end-of-life care and the instructor of a groundbreaking course titled "Ethical Issues in End-of-Life Care." Dr. Smith, thank you for joining us today! GUEST: Thank you for having me. I'm excited to discuss this important topic. HOST: To start, could you share a bit about your personal experiences and insights related to the ethical dilemmas presented in end-of-life care? GUEST: Absolutely. Throughout my career, I've seen firsthand how crucial advance directives like living wills and durable power of attorney can be. These tools help ensure that patients' wishes are respected and that their autonomy is preserved. HOST: That's fascinating. Now, let's talk about some current industry trends relevant to your course. What are some of the most pressing concerns in end-of-life care ethics today? GUEST: One significant trend is the increasing focus on palliative care and the role of physicians in end-of-life decision-making, particularly in euthanasia debates. It's essential for healthcare professionals to be well-versed in these discussions and to be prepared to navigate the ethical complexities. HOST: Indeed, these are challenging issues. Speaking of challenges, what obstacles have you encountered while teaching this subject or working in the field? GUEST: One challenge is addressing the diverse cultural considerations that can significantly influence end-of-life decision-making. It's crucial to foster open, respectful conversations that acknowledge and value these differences while ensuring that patients receive the care they desire. HOST: That's a great point. Lastly, let's look to the future. How do you see the field of end-of-life care ethics evolving, and what impact might your course have on students and professionals in the industry? GUEST: I believe we'll continue to see a shift towards more patient-centered care, with a growing emphasis on informed consent and resource allocation. Our course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate these ethical challenges and provide compassionate, respectful care for their patients. HOST: Dr. Smith, thank you so much for joining us today and for shedding light on the critical issues addressed in your course, "Ethical Issues in End-of-Life Care." To our listeners, we hope this conversation has inspired you to explore these important topics further!
