Bisher Abuyassin’s Post

⚡⚖️🔬 Our piece published today (with Jerry Menikoff from NUS Centre for Biomedical Ethics) in Science Magazine dives into recent court decisions (including a case from the estate of #HenriettaLacks (#HeLa)) that have potential to realign consent and biospecimen research in the U.S. The outcome? Massive implications for researchers and communities alike—potentially reshaping #consent, #trust, and #innovation. We could be approaching a turning point in #federallaw and #constitutional rights impacting #biospecimen sharing, access, and use. (Link to article: https://lnkd.in/e_px_VA3) #BiospecimenResearch #CommunityImpact #ScienceAndLaw #ResearchEthics #autonomy University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Syracuse University College of Law

Just the facts, ma’am… Just as Australia doesn’t have (and is resisting having) an independent Ethics Institute, empowered to hold politicians and public servants to account for breaches of mandatory, agreed, ethical standards, so too the legal system does not have any governing body that determines whether opinions offered by forensic experts are even ‘good science’. So how accurate and reliable is forensic evidence? And what requirements must an ‘expert’ demonstrate they’ve met before they’re approved to offer their ‘expert opinion’? As this article by UNSW Professor Gary Edmond highlights, Australian courts fail to insist on formal validation of expert opinions and the methods they use to arrive at those opinions before their opinions are admitted into evidence - unlike other countries. Instead, ours is a system, it would seem, chasing convictions, not justice, with no review of how often a court or an ‘expert’ testimony actually gets it wrong. All of which flies in the face of rational, independently verifiable science. #unsw #law #evidence #forensics #justice https://lnkd.in/gN54Z9MY

Very important reflections by Dr Carl Elliott from U of Minnesota on why the morally unthinkable seems to happen so often in medicine. “Many of the most egregious ethical abuses in recent decades have taken place in medical centers with prominent bioethics programs…” This is a telling statement. The current approach to ethics in American medicine simply isn’t working well enough. Despite the existence of so many professional standards, organizations, and ethics programs, we are not seeing an increase in ethical behavior. There is hope. Islamic ethics offers a potential solution given its universal framework. At Al Amin Ethics, through Shaykh Amin Kholwadia, we learn that developing akhlaq through tazkiyah is one of the ways to reform ourselves personally and professionally. The problem with the academy in ethics is that it is all theory without practice. Time for change! https://lnkd.in/gHmZiVUC

Ethics and Dentistry. Yep... every industry has to deal with ethics. Hear what Dr. Melanie Adelstein and Dr. Rick Adelstein share regarding this issue. Rick Adelstein, Melanie Adelstein, Noah Levine, Kellie Nock,

//Medical education is not just about acquiring clinical skills; it is also about cultivating empathy, and understanding the historical context of the profession. Recognizing the complex history of medicine, especially as medical students, is crucial in shaping us into better and more humane doctors for the future.// #medicaleducation #medicalethics #historyofmedicine

Law and forensic science Same stadium – different rules I’ve never seen a lawyers submissions going anything like this; “I submit he’s guilty as data supports that defendants are more likely guilty than innocent” There is statistical support, but it's hardly anything like valid evidence. Should a legal practitioner ever utter such words, the court would at best find it highly prejudicial and entirely speculative (and no doubt laughable). In 2024, the courts on a daily basis hear and accept oral scientific expert testimony spoken just like this; “In my opinion this large amount of DNA is more likely a result of direct transfer which is supported by data”. Would the average juror think this means the expert with 20 years experience is validly evidencing that the defendant more likely touched the victim? Whilst unsupported statements along these lines are highly prejudicial and speculative, they often don’t raise an eyebrow in the courtroom, and sadly convince jurors along the way. The powerful persuasiveness in these speculations’ rests in their inherent plausibility, particularly for those with a starting knowledge of basic DNA transfer. International Scientific guidelines recommend against such speculations in court, however there is currently no mechanism to stop the practice. One of the substantial risks is that these somewhat routine statements are typically not divulged by prosecution in advance of trial. Dealing with the issue relies crucially on careful expert reporting in advance of trial, which in my experience either results in concession, or failing that, provides for written opinion and appropriately cited material to challenge the speculation if it's made at trial.

#Pediatric and adult #patients have vast differences in the type of care they need to receive. Learn more in this @AmerMedicalAssn Code of Medical Ethics module. https://lnkd.in/gnTGeihe

Today, I defended my #doctoraldissertation titled “#PerinatalEthics: the role of #ethicsconsultation around parental dilemmas before and after birth.” My work argues that distinctive ethical quandaries occur in the perinatal clinical setting. Hence, healthcare ethics consultants need to master distinctive knowledge, skills, and competencies to facilitate an ethical resolution that aligns the needs and values of the parents with professional standards and requirements of health care. The analysis noted that, surprisingly, neither the ASBH nor the VHA provide guidance to conduct clinical ethics consultations in this widespread clinical setting of perinatal ethics. The contribution of the dissertation is to encourage an ethical discourse on perinatal ethics by considering together the ethical issues arising in obstetrics with those arising when caring for a sick newborn. With this defense, I ended another chapter of my life. Getting ready for my next adventure at Cleveland Clinic Center for Bioethics in July!

Teaching the Professional Practice subject this year for Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences has been an amazing privilege. I felt very lucky to be assigned these amazing, kind and intelligent future doctors- with whom we were shared insights and reflections on topics of medical ethics, effective communication and how they wanted to show up as future leaders. ❤️🩺❤️ University of Melbourne #MedicalEthics #EthicalPractice #EthicsInMedicine #ProfessionalIdentity #MedicalProfessionalism #IdentityInMedicine #FutureDoctors #ReflectivePractice #MedicalReflection #GrowthInMedicine #ReflectToLearn #MedicalEducation #MedicalCommunication #PatientCommunication #HealthcareTeamwork #CollaborationInMedicine #TeamBasedCare #TeamworkInHealthcare

🔍 Reflecting on a Landmark Judgment in the Realm of Medical Ethics: In June 2023, NCDRC passed a significant ruling shook the landscape of medical jurisprudence, but it's never too late to discuss its implications. The case centered around the delicate issue of Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a condition that tragically causes blindness in pre-term and underweight babies. The State Commission initially rendered a verdict that raised questions about the medical care provided to twin boys during their hospital stay. However, this decision was recently overturned by the National Commission, marking a pivotal moment in the legal saga. Upon meticulous scrutiny of hospital records and a comprehensive analysis of the events surrounding the case, the appellate body found crucial discrepancies in the initial judgment. It became apparent that essential details regarding proper testing and doctor visits were overlooked, leading to a profound miscarriage of justice. As a result, the appellant doctors were rightfully exonerated of any negligence, reinstating faith in the integrity of medical professionals and the meticulousness of the healthcare system. This landmark ruling serves as a poignant reminder of the critical role that thorough investigation and due diligence play in delivering justice. It was an honor to represent the doctors in this landmark judgment alongside my senior, Mr. Jatinder Nagpal. Our collaborative efforts underscored the importance of steadfast advocacy and unwavering dedication to upholding the principles of fairness and justice. Inviting you to share your valuable response to the verdict and comment below for a copy of the judgment. Let this judgment stand as a beacon of hope for all those navigating the complex intersection of law and medicine. #ROP #RetinopathyOfPrematurity #MedicalEthics #LegalJudgment #JusticePrevails #HealthcareIntegrity