The Philosophy of Medicine (DPMSA)

In the Philosophy in Medicine course, we explore key philosophical aspects of contemporary medicine. We begin with an introduction to western philosophy that focuses of key schools of thought such as virtue theory, deontology and consequentialism. We look at how these theoretical foundations relate to healthcare settings, and how we can use critical thought to identify and think through contemporary issues. Through a series of interactive seminars led by eminent speakers and rising stars within the field of bioethics, we question, for example, what is health; who do we consider a person; how do we determine values? We then apply these theoretical ethical issues to healthcare context while also inducting course participants in the elements of constructing good philosophical arguments. We will draw upon theories from philosophy, clinical cases from our practices and from the media, and seminal legal cases to demonstrate the live ethical and more broadly philosophical challenges of medicine and healthcare today. The course and examination both give ample scope for participants to develop their own interests in the field.

Co-Course Directors, Philosophy of Medicine Course

                                                                     

Dr Andrew N Papanikitas FRCGP, PhD                        Mr Peter Young, M.Bioethics

 

The course runs in parallel with the History of Medicine and is intended to give a grounding in philosophical aspects of medical practice, including ethics, as applied to clinical practice. It also provides preparation for those wishing to take the Society of Apothecaries' diploma examination (DPMSA).

Please note: The course will run on Saturdays via Zoom from October 2022-June 2023 on zoom unless we are able to be in the venues. Contact the Faculty Manager for any questions.

Course drop-in fee
£80 Drop-in classes (please mention which course days you would like to attend when emailing application form)

Exam Bursaries Criteria

  1. 10 examination bursaries are offered to medical and dental students at UK higher education institutions (HEIs) who are either current students on the main WSAL history and philosophy courses (DHMSA or DPMSA) or who have completed the course in the last 3 years.
  2. Bursaries are allocated on a first come/served basis (with priority given to current students for that year’s allocation) until the due date of the formative essay in philosophy (this being the first necessary deadline for entry to the exam in a given year) or, for history, the deadline for receipt in the Examinations Office of the titles and proposal/abstract for the dissertation and test lecture. In addition, if the examination is deferred or bursaries are not taken up they may be rolled over into the subsequent two years until used.
  3. Furthermore, the Executive Committee (EC) will, with sufficient notice (prior to the deadlines specified), consider exceptional requests from undergraduates in relevant disciplines or professions. The relevance will be determined by the EC whose decisions will be final and not the setting of a precedent. (The Executive Committee may elect to expand this to students of other healthcare disciplines at UK HEIs or other students in fields connected to history and philosophy in the future.)

Course Information
Course programme for 2022-23 - click here. Please note this programme is subject to changes.
Reading list - click here
Essay title - click here

Application form & T&Cs
Please fill out the application form, read the terms and conditions, sign and email to the Faculty Manager - Click here

Payment
Please click here to pay for classes on the course.

Course Insights, Philosophy by Dr Andrew Papanikitas

Eligibility, application and fees for the diploma examination are run separately by the Examinations Office; details can be obtained here.

The Sydney Selwyn Lecture

The lecture formally known as the Sydney Selwyn Prize is in memory of Professor Sydney Selwyn (1934-1996), a medical microbiologist and bacteriologist, bone marrow transplant pioneer, and world-class expert in the history and development of medicine. The lecture is presented by the best candidate in the Diploma in the Philosophy of Medicine examination.

Faculty of the History and Philosophy of Medicine and Pharmacy

Contact: Maria Ferran, Faculty Manager & Webmaster
Telephone: 020 7236 1189