Human Dignity and Health Care

Aquinas College in Nashville, TN recently launched a new “Center for the Study of Human Dignity and Ethics in Health Care.” The following is a description of its mission. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Feb.25, 2013) — The School of Nursing at Aquinas College, positioned to further its mission to protect and defend human dignity for all persons through its commitment to nursing education and other health professions in an era of unprecedented change, announces the foundation of the Center for the Study of Human Dignity and Ethics in Health Care. “While the need for this center is decades old,” said the School of Nursing’s Dean, Brother Ignatius Perkins, O.P., “the timing of its launch, in relation to the continued draconian changes in health care today and in the future, is providential.” Driven by the Mission and Core Values of Aquinas College and the Philosophy of the School of Nursing, and under the guidance of a seventeen member Advisory Council, consisting of broad representation from the Nashville health care community, the Center will: provide community-wide educational opportunities for health care professionals,civic leaders, legislators and citizens of the community (seminars, multi-disciplinary forums, etc.) that addresses current issues in health care, education, administration, and scholarship; provide consultation, conduct research, and disseminate findings; build collaborative partnerships with the health care community locally, nationally and internationally; provide forums for presentations by visiting scholars; develop model learning outcomes for health professions’ students that embrace the Purpose and Core Values of the Center; honor members of the health professions and the community who have distinguished achievements in defending and protecting the dignity and flourishing of the human person. “Such a Center is critically important in our global world and particularly in health care as rapid changes in health care and new delivery models coupled with the emergence of complex ethical questions arise every day. The inauguration of the Center is unique for this region and is consistent with the Mission of the College to “Transform Lives and Culture Through Truth and Charity,” Brother Perkins, O.P. said. “Through this important initiative, Aquinas College will continue to be a moral force in re-shaping the world of health care by supporting all those seeking to be healed as well as members of the health professions, taking on the critical ethical issues of the day, so that dignity, freedom and human flourishing can be claimed by every person who has ever been born.” For a PDF of this document click here.