The Ethics for Lunch: A Journal Club and Networking Series was officially launched on 27 November 2024 at the IMU University, Seremban Clinical Campus.
Organised in collaboration with the Academy of Medicine of Malaysia’s College of Paediatrics and the Malaysian Paediatric Association Bioethics Task Force, this innovative hybrid event seamlessly combined intellectual exploration with networking opportunities.
The launch and inaugural session attracted 27 participants, both in-person and online via Zoom.
A Platform for Ethical Inquiry and Professional Networking
This lunchtime series provides a unique forum for professionals to engage with thought-provoking journal articles that challenge conventional thinking on ethical dilemmas in clinical practice. Moderated by A/Prof Dr Erwin Khoo (in the main photo), Head of the Paediatric Department at IMU University, the inaugural session focused on the nuanced interplay between parental choices and clinical care.
The session featured an esteemed panel of experts:
- Dato’ Dr Sivalingam Nalliah: Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and Member of the IMU University Board of Governors.
- Datuk Dr Soo Thian Lian: Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist and Committee Member of the Malaysian Paediatric Association.
- Dr Cheah Fook Choe: Professor of Paediatrics and Neonatology and Vice President of the Academy of Medicine of Malaysia’s College of Paediatrics.
Event Highlights
The event opened with a warm welcome and an introduction to the series’ objectives, emphasising collaboration and the pursuit of impactful outcomes such as commentaries, editorials, and position statements. The informal format encouraged participants to engage in open dialogue, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas.
The discussion centred around two key journal articles:
“Beyond the Question: Re-examining a Parent’s Unusual Request”
(Callahan KP et al., Pediatrics, 2024)
This article explored an Ethiopian father’s request for palliative care for his preterm infant, despite an improving prognosis. It highlighted cultural and communication gaps in clinical settings and proposed tools like conflict mediation to navigate such complexities.
“The Value of Parental Judgment in the Ethical Gray Zone of Periviability: Words Matter”
(Drago MJ, Mercurio MR, Pediatrics, 2024)
This article examined the role of language in clinical interactions, advocating for the term “parental judgment” instead of “parental wishes” to better respect parental authority and address power imbalances.
Key Themes and Insights
Parental vs. Clinical Authority
The panel emphasised the need for a balanced approach, respecting parental perspectives while ensuring ethical, evidence-based clinical care.
Resource Allocation in Low-Resource Settings
Ethical dilemmas in neonatal care, especially in resource-constrained environments, were a focal point. The panellists highlighted the importance of clear policies that integrate cultural sensitivity with medical realities.
Cultural and Emotional Sensitivities
Recognising cultural diversity and emotional factors was deemed critical. Case studies were shared to illustrate how cultural beliefs can significantly influence parental decisions regarding aggressive medical interventions.
Moving Forward
The session concluded with heartfelt gratitude to all participants for their active engagement and thought-provoking contributions. The panellists reiterated the importance of continuous dialogue on ethical challenges and encouraged participants to incorporate the session’s insights into their clinical practices.
Looking Ahead
The Ethics for Lunch series aims to serve as a dynamic platform for addressing complex ethical issues in healthcare through collaborative discussions and professional development. All interested parties are warmly invited to join future sessions and contribute to this enriching journey of ethical exploration.