Bioethics for a Better World Season 2, Episode 1: What is Medicine for?

April 30, 2026

Share this Video
Facebook

In this episode Dr. Jordan Mason and Dr. Mark Carr discuss the question “What is medicine for?” from the perspective of the philosophy of medicine. Together, our hosts inquire what it means to practice medicine and whether there really is an internal morality to medicine, as some have argued. For a deeper dive into some of the topics raised in the episode, our hosts recommend the following books: Edmund Pellegrino. Philosophy of Medicine Reborn: A Pellegrino Reader, edited by H. Tristram Engelhardt and Falorie Jotterand (University of Notre Dame Press, 2008). Edmund Pellegrino and David Thomasma. The Virtues in Medical Practice (Oxford University Press, 1993). To keep up with the podcast, please use the subscribe button above.

Previous Video

How to prepare for your colonoscopy

In this video, Providence Saint John’s Digestive Health Associates walk you through how to prepare for your...

Next Video

Bioethics for a Better World Season 1, Episode 7: Medically Inappropriate Treatment, Part Two

In this episode, the season one finale, we return to the challenge of defining and using clinical judgment ...

Most Recent Videos

8:33

How to prepare for your colonoscopy

Bioethics for a Better World Season 2, Episode 1: What is Medicine for?

Previous Video

Next Video

Most Recent Videos

In this video, Providence Saint John’s Digestive Health Associates walk you through how to prepare for your colonoscopy. You’ll learn what to expect, how to follow the prep instructions, and helpful t

In this episode, the season one finale, we return to the challenge of defining and using clinical judgment around medically inappropriate treatment. Dr. Jordan Mason, Dr. Tauseef Qureshi, and Dr. Leig

In this episode, we discuss the challenge of defining and using clinical judgment around medically inappropriate treatment. Dr. Jordan Mason, Dr. Tauseef Qureshi, and Dr. Leigh Slater share perspectiv

In this episode, we discuss escalation of medical interventions and how open conversation along the way can prevent patients and families from feeling like they are “falling off a cliff” when there ar

In this episode, we define structural bias and structural violence and discuss how to recognize bias in our contexts. Tools for addressing identified bias or violence are discussed, along with the sto

In this episode, we address care for unrepresented patients at the end of life. Please note that law, policy, and ethics consultation practices can vary by state. We recommend reaching out to your loc

Presenter: Alessandra Colaianni, MD, MPhil Recorded: February 18, 2026 Series: Allen M. Boyden, MD Memorial Lectureship In this interactive session, Dr. Alessandra Colaianni will use case studies to

Presenter: Alessandra Colaianni, MD, MPhil Recorded: February 17, 2026 Series: Allen M. Boyden, MD Memorial Lectureship In this presentation, Dr. Alessandra Colaianni will explore narrative medicin

A new and powerful resource in the battle against clinical depression.

Learn about the 6-month paid Medical Assistant Apprenticeship program offered by Providence Medical Group. Applications open on May 22, 2026 for the Portland, Oregon area cohort.

Providence Center for Weight Management provider profile: Josh Micallef, PA-C

Providence Center for Weight Management provider profile: Chris Collins, RD, CDCES, CSOWM

Providence Center for Weight Management provider profile: Josie Banks, MS, RD

Providence Center for Weight Management provider profile: Vicky Nguyen, PA-C

Providence Center for Weight Management provider profile: Nicole Crotty, RD

Providence Center for Weight Management provider profile: Kate Henson, Psy.D.

Providence Cancer Institute provider profile: Binbin Zheng, M.D.

Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center honors National Volunteer Week, celebrating the compassionate service of our dedicated volunteers.