Develop a solution to a specific ethical dilemma(Organ Transplant Prioritization) faced by a
health care professional by applying ethical principles. Describe the issues and a possible
solution in a paper of 3-5 pages.
Case Study: Organ Transplant Prioritization
Lila Rodriguez, a talented 29-year-old graphic designer, has been battling liver disease for
several years. Her condition has recently deteriorated, and she now finds herself in dire need of
a liver transplant. Lila’s vibrant spirit and determination to recover are evident to all who meet
her. However, her medical history reveals a struggle with substance abuse, particularly alcohol,
which contributed to her current condition.
Dr. Omar Khan, the transplant coordinator at Unity Health Hospital, is well-acquainted with Lila’s
case. He’s been impressed by her commitment to recovery, noting her active participation in
rehabilitation programs and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings over the past two years. However,
he’s also aware that the hospital’s transplant committee might view her history of substance
abuse as a potential risk factor. The limited availability of donor organs means that the
committee must prioritize recipients based on a set of criteria, including the likelihood of posttransplant success and the potential risk of organ rejection or failure.
Dr. Khan is caught in an ethical quandary. The principle of justice demands that he ensures a
fair and unbiased allocation of the limited organ resources. Every patient on the transplant list
has a pressing need, and the criteria are designed to maximize the success rate of transplants.
However, the principle of beneficence pushes Dr. Khan to advocate for the well-being of his
patient, Lila. He believes in her commitment to a healthier lifestyle post-transplant and feels she
deserves a chance at a new lease on life.
For this assignment, develop a solution to a specific ethical dilemma faced by a health
care professional. In your assessment:
1. Summarize the facts in the selected case study and use the three
components of an ethical decision-making model to analyze an ethical
problem or issue and the factors that contributed to it.
○ Identify which case study you selected and briefly summarize
the facts surrounding it. Identify the problem or issue that
presents an ethical dilemma or challenge and describe that
dilemma or challenge.
○ Identify who is involved or affected by the ethical problem or
issue.
○ Access the Ethical Decision-Making Model media piece and
use the three components of the ethical decision-making
model (moral awareness, moral judgment, and ethical
behavior) to analyze the ethical issues.
■ Apply the three components outlined in the Ethical
Decision-Making Model media.
○ Analyze the factors that contributed to the ethical problem or
issue identified in the case study.