In a world where fast-changing technological advances are continually changing the landscape of modern medicine, the ethical principles of respect, beneficence, and justice for the patient are always at the heart of compassionate care.

The experience of serious or prolonged illness is often frightening, confusing and can be intensely isolating for patients.  While it is essential that doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and other health professionals provide the highest level of technical care, it is equally important that they are acutely attuned to the patient as a person, that is, understanding the human experience of illness as well as the illness itself.

The ethics education programs from the Center for Ethics in Health Care are woven throughout the curricula at OHSU to teach the art of compassionate and respectful care. With education and practice, we can be a part of teaching the next generation of healthcare professionals to understand and serve the needs of vulnerable patients and their families.