Healthy Skepticism Library item: 1788

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Publication type: Journal Article

Baylis F.
The Olivieri debacle: where were the heroes of bioethics?
J Med Ethics 2004 Feb; 30:(1):44-9
http://jme.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/30/1/44

Abstract:

All Canadian bioethicists need to reflect on the meaning and value of their work, to see more clearly how the ethics of bioethics is being undermined from within. In the case involving Dr Olivieri, the Hospital for Sick Children, the University of Toronto, and Apotex Inc, there were countless opportunities for bioethical heroism. And yet, no bioethics heroes emerged from this case. Much has been written about the hospital’s and the university’s failures in this case. But what about the deafening silence from the Canadian bioethics community? Given the duty of bioethicists to “speak truth to power”, this silence is troubling. To date, nothing has been written about the silence. This article is intended as a partial remedy. As well, the article pays tribute to heretofore unsung heroes among Dr Olivieri’s research colleagues.

Keywords:
Academic Medical Centers/ethics* Bioethical Issues Bioethics* Canada Clinical Trials Conflict of Interest Drug Industry Duty to Warn Ethicists* Ethics, Clinical Ethics, Research Humans Professional Role Research Support Whistleblowing*