AMA Journal of Ethics

Death’s Troubled Relationship With the Law

Death’s legal definition must be responsive to advances in technology, and it must delineate between life and death. But where to draw the line is difficult to determine. Death’s current legal definition requires irreversible cessation of cardiorespiratory function or irreversible…

Why Disability Must Be Included in Medical School Diversification Efforts

Individuals living with disabilities are underrepresented in the physician workforce, despite benefits of inclusion. This article describes how both ableism in admissions processes and expectations set by technical standards can perpetuate harm. The authors advocate for active attention to disability…

What Does It Mean for Medical School Admissions to Be Socially Accountable?

Health care workforce diversity is a critical determinant of health equity and the social mission of medical education. Medical schools have a social contract with the public, which provides significant financial support to academic medical centers. Although a focus on…

Ethics Talk: Why is Meat So Cheap?

This activity is comprised of five multiple-choice questions based on the content of an AMA Journal of Ethics podcast about economic incentives driving industrialization of meat. The featured guest is Dave Simon, a lawyer, advocate for sustainable production, and author…

Ethics Talk: How Medicalization Limits Public Health Effectiveness

This activity is comprised of five multiple-choice questions based on the content of an AMA Journal of Ethics podcast about how medicalization of public health undermines effective community-based governance responses. The featured guest is Dr Paula Lantz, the James B…

Is Organ Retransplantation Among Undocumented Immigrants in the United States Just?

Numerous undocumented children in the United States with end-stage renal disease undergo kidney transplantation funded by charitable donation or state-sponsored Medicaid. However, when these funding sources expire by adulthood, most are unable to pay for follow-up appointments and immunosuppressive medications…