Islamabad: A seminar focused on the ethical dimensions of managing chronic and frequently encountered medical conditions was held, aimed at enhancing ethical awareness among future healthcare professionals. The event sought to integrate clinical reasoning with moral accountability through scenario-based learning.
According to National University of Medical Sciences, the seminar was supervised by Dr. Muhammad Shehroz Aamir, Course Instructor for Chronic and Common Illnesses, and Ms. Saira Javed, Course Instructor for Professional Ethics. Five student-led video presentations were central to the session, each depicting ethically challenging situations in the management of chronic or common medical conditions. These projects addressed real-world ethical issues, emphasizing patient-centered communication, respect for patient autonomy, and the application of the five foundational principles of medical ethics: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and fidelity.
Each presentation began with a depiction of unethical clinical conduct, such as breaches of confidentiality, coercion, bias in care delivery, or failure to ensure informed consent. This was followed by a reformed approach demonstrating appropriate ethical behavior. The narrative juxtaposition effectively highlighted the contrast between malpractice and professional accountability, allowing attendees to critically analyze and reflect upon ethical decision-making in practice.
The medical conditions discussed included skin allergies, anaphylactic reactions, and other prevalent chronic illnesses, serving as relatable and contextually relevant cases. These scenarios underscored the psychosocial, emotional, and systemic challenges involved in long-term care, such as patient adherence, continuity of treatment, and holistic support. The seminar successfully bridged the gap between theoretical ethics and everyday clinical realities through this approach.
Common ethical violations illustrated in the sessions included breaches of patient confidentiality, discriminatory treatment practices, coercive communication, neglect of informed consent, and inadequate management and follow-up of chronic illnesses. These were counterbalanced by demonstrations of best practices, such as respectful and transparent communication, active listening, empathy, recognition of patient autonomy, and accurate documentation and continuity of care.
The seminar was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including Brig. Shoaib Kiani SI(M) (Retired), Prof. Dr. Aamir Shahzad, Director of Academics Clinical at NUMS, as Chief Guests, and Prof. Dr. Shazia Khalid, Dean SSH and Head of the Department of Psychology at NUMS, as Guest of Honor. Their participation added prestige and institutional significance to the event.
The seminar concluded with active audience participation and reflective dialogue, affirming the effectiveness of visual, scenario-based pedagogy in enhancing ethical competence. By combining clinical education with ethical discourse, the event underscored the indispensable role of ethics in ensuring responsible and compassionate healthcare delivery.