ANN ARBOR, Mich. — University of Michigan Health System researcher Susan Dorr Goold will take a lead role in helping establish national guidelines for medical ethics.
Goold, M.D., M.H.S.A., M.A., professor of Internal Medicine and Health Management and Policy at U-M’s Medical School and School of Public Health , was elected chair of the American Medical Association Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs. Her new position took effect on June 18.
“Physicians around the country turn to the Code of Medical Ethics when addressing ethical issues in medicine,” says Goold. “I’m excited about the opportunity to chair such a renowned group whose mission and focus centers on such an integral yet challenging component of the profession.”
The Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs (CEJA) maintains and updates the 160-year-old AMA Code of Medical Ethics widely recognized as the most comprehensive ethics guide for physicians who strive to practice ethically. Composed of seven practicing physicians, a resident or fellow, and a medical student, the Council prepares reports that analyze and address timely ethical issues that confront physicians and the medical profession.
Recent reports have addressed physician stewardship, advance care planning, and professionalism in social media.
Goold has served on the Council as one of seven practicing physicians for six years, and has helped shepherd new content on physician stewardship, industry support of Continuing Medical Education (CME) and a modernization of the entire ethics code. Her seven-year term ends in 2014.
Goold’s research focuses on “money, medicine and ethics” and justice issues in health and health care. Her work emphasizes the perspectives of patients and the public and trust-based patient-doctor relationships.