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Screenplays and Screenwriting as an Innovative Teaching Tool in Medical Ethics Education

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Abstract

Innovation in ethics pedagogy has continued to evolve and incorporate other forms of storytelling aimed at improving student engagement and learning. The use of bioethics narratives in feature-length films, medical television shows, or short clips in the classroom has a well-established history. In parallel, screenplays present an opportunity for an active approach to ethical engagement. We argue that screenplays and screenwriting provide a rich supplement to current medical ethics teaching and serve as a strong form of reflective learning.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank Valerie Gramling, Ph.D., of the University of Miami Scientific Writing Programs, and Kenneth Goodman, Ph.D., of the Institute for Bioethics and Health Policy, Miller School of Medicine for their valuable comments on an earlier version of this article. We also thank Thomas Musca, MFA of the University of Miami School of Communication for serving as script supervisor, Amanda Quintos, MFA for authoring the supplemental screenplay “Cox Maze Coxcombs,” and Fred Silverman, MFA for co-producering our associated short films. 

Funding

This work was funded by a grant from the Arsht Ethics Initiatives at the University of Miami Ethics Programs and made possible by a generous gift from philanthropist Adrienne Arsht.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 S 1st Ave, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA

    Abbas Rattani

  2. USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo St, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA

    Abdul-Hadi Kaakour

  3. Institute for Bioethics and Health Policy, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, P.O. Box 016960 (M-825), Miami, FL, 33101, USA

    Abdul-Hadi Kaakour

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  1. Abbas Rattani
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Correspondence to Abbas Rattani.

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While Abdul-Hadi Kaakour and Abbas Rattani were recipients of this grant, neither author declares a conflict of interest.

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Rattani, A., Kaakour, AH. Screenplays and Screenwriting as an Innovative Teaching Tool in Medical Ethics Education. J Med Humanit 42, 679–687 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10912-019-09584-8

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