Neuro-ethics Curriculum for Neurology Residents

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Educational objectives

To introduce the field of neuroethics to neurology residents, encompassing the more general field of bioethics as it applies to neurology.  The curriculum will serve to familiarize residents with the basic principles and applications of neuroethics to both clinical neurology and neuroscience research.  The educational objectives will be approached through a combination of lectures, monthly case-based presentation to illustrate core topics, and discussion sessions facilitated by center for bioethics (CFB) faculty. Principles of neuro-ethics are re-inforced throughout the core rotations each resident performs.

I. Goals and Objectives

Medical Knowledge

  • To develop a foundation in neuroethics with special emphasis on clinically relevant material. 
  • To provide the resident with a sufficient background in principles of medical ethics to support and enhance the care of patients with neurological disorders.
  • To familiarize residents with up-to-date concepts in neuroethics applicable to research.

Patient Care

  • To educate residents about fundamental issues in medical ethics that have direct implication in daily practice for neurologists including: DNR/DNI; New York  state laws regarding withdrawal of care; Surrogate hierarchy; Living wills; Heath care proxy forms; Advanced directives; Sensitivity to religious and moral issues; medical futility

Systems-Based Practice

  • To improve resident understanding of the intersection between medical ethicists and neurologists, and educate them about the role of the ethics team in assisting health care providers with decision making.

Practice-Based Learning and Improvement

  • To give residents the skills to continuously improve patient care based on application of ethical principles, facilitated by ongoing case presentation conferences
  • Participate in end of life, goals of care, and prognosis discussions with families in the intensive care and consultation services with supervision from the NICU and consult service     

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

  • To use ethical principles to improve communication with patients and their families, and foster better understanding.

Professionalism

To show compassion and respect for patients, families and colleagues involved with patient care.

To demonstrate respect and sensitivity for different cultural, religious, and socioeconomic perspectives when discussing goals and methods of treatment.

To demonstrate respect for privacy and autonomy, two fundamental ethical principles.

II. Conferences:  Department of Neurology

  • Noon Neuroethics Resident Case Conference.  Interactive case presentation / discussion with residents, facilitated by bioethics faculty.  At these small group conferences, residents will present cases of interest that highlight ethical issues and dilemmas, in a setting similar to morbidity and mortality conference.  Occurs approximately six times per year.

III. Web Based Resources

 

Updated 7/21/25