News

The MacLean Center’s Wednesday case discussions give UChicago Medicine staff, as well as faculty from across the University, an opportunity to reflect on the complex ethical challenges that arise in patient care. (Photography by John Zich)

The Spring 2025 issue of The University of Chicago Magazine features a story about the MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics and its work bridging clinical practice and ethical inquiry, entitled The Heart of the Matter. 

Laurie Zoloth, Margaret E. Burton Professor of Religion and Ethics, is cited as an example of a theologian and ethicist who may be called upon by a physician or a family when there are questions about a course of treatment for religious reasons. 

"Conflicts between religious and medical practices sometimes surface in hospital settings. A classic example is the Jehovah’s Witness who refuses a blood transfusion because they believe it will exclude them from eternal life. When treating such patients, doctors and nurses must proceed respectfully and consider alternatives like bloodless surgery. 'Negotiating all the different pieces of this discussion and dilemma is an important skill for our fellows to learn,' Zoloth says."

Read the full piece here: https://mag.uchicago.edu/university-news/heart-matter