Program Information

Code of Ethics: Practicing Our Values

G Sherouse¹, K Osterman², (1) Landauer Medical Physics , Charlotte, NC, (2) NYU Medical Center, New York, NY

Presentations

7:30 AM : What to know about the revised AAPM Code of Ethics - G Sherouse, Presenting Author
8:00 AM : Effecting change when you're not in charge: Everyday diversity, inclusivity, and the Code of Ethics - K Osterman, Presenting Author

TU-A-108-0 (Tuesday, August 1, 2017) 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Room: 108

Ethical decision-making is central to the practice of any profession. These decisions are often neither clear-cut nor easy. The AAPM Code of Ethics establishes a common set of expectations for the profession and is designed to guide each and every member as they practice ethical decision-making. A set of principles reflecting the moral values of the AAPM provides the foundation for the code. Practice of these principles often requires interpretation and adaptation to specific circumstance. To further navigate nuances of implementation, the Code provides guidelines expanding upon each principle in specific areas of professional practice, such as clinical care, research, business transactions, and educational activities.

The purpose of the first part of this seminar is to introduce to attendees the revision of the Code of Ethics currently in progress. In this session we will present the draft revised AAPM Code of Ethics, propose a framework for identifying ethical dilemmas and exploring courses of action, and explain how AAPM addresses ethical issues. Members will become aware of the ethical values of AAPM and the expectation to abide by them.

The Code of Ethics is designed as a guide for ethical decision-making in the practice of medical physics. The recently revised Code introduces the virtues of inclusivity and diversity while maintaining its allegiance to the principles of collegiality, competence, integrity, and responsibility. The second part of this seminar will delve further into ethical dilemmas in the workplace traced back to lack of inclusivity and diversity, present a framework for identifying these ethical dilemmas and exploring courses of action. The aim of the session is to help the attendees to realize the influence and responsibility each individual has in determining the culture of their workplace and the reputation of the medical physics profession.

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand content and purpose of the revised AAPM Code of Ethics
2. Understand how to use it as a guide in implementing a framework for ethical decision making
3. Understand how AAPM addresses ethical issues

Funding Support, Disclosures, and Conflict of Interest: Dr. George W. Sherouse and Dr. K. Sunshine Osterman are both members of Task Group No. 109 Code of Ethics. The views and opinions expressed in these presentations are those of the presenters alone.

Handouts

127-35631-418554-126952-832931584.pdf (G Sherouse)

127-35632-418554-127748.pdf (K Osterman)

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