Bioethics Training
Training in research bioethics is a requirement of the MD/PhD program, the School of Medicine, your graduate group (if you are in BGS) and NIH. MD/PhD students must participate in ethics training each year of the program. Below is an outline of the requirements, year by year.
FIRST AND SECOND YEAR STUDENTS
Because the first two years of medical school have such a significant bioethics component, including research ethics, you do not need to do anything other than attend the activities built into the MD curriculum during these years.
THIRD YEAR STUDENTS
Third years will be required to complete the on-line research ethics training program. Students log on at Penn Knowledge Link. Participants must view all of the presentations then complete a series of questions. The deadline for completion is May 15.
FOURTH, FIFTH AND SIXTH YEAR STUDENTS
Students will be required to attend a small group workshop to discuss relevant case studies in years 4 through 6. Students will be contact with additional details during the year.
STUDENTS BEYOND THE SIXTH YEAR AND NOT GRADUATING
Students beyond the sixth year who are not graduating, should participate in a yearly training session of their choice. The Student Choice Bioethics requirement for these students can be met by participation in any University sanctioned bioethics course or symposia of student interest. To learn about events you can visit the Center for Bioethics website. You can also be placed on the Center's mailing list . Once you have identified a University sponsored event you would like to attend, please contact Colleen Dunn ( dunncoll@mail.med.upenn.edu ) at BGS to be sure it will fulfill the requirement. After you attend, you should re-contact Colleen to register your participation.
Another option for upper level students is serving as an assistant faciliator in a workshop for students in the early years of their training. Interested students should contact Colleen.
STUDENTS IN THE FINAL YEAR (Medical Phase)
All MD/PhD students must complete the one week Medical Bioethics Course required of graduating students.
SUMMARY
The training sequence for a typical 8-year MD-PhD curriculum is as follows:
- Year 1 & 2: MD Curriculum
- Year 3: Online Training
- Year 4-6: Bioethics Workshops
- Year 7: Student Choice
- Year 8: Medical Bioethics Course