FHU Ethics Colloquium Offers Insight from Cancer Treatment Physician
FHU Ethics Colloquium Offers Insight from Cancer Treatment Physician
Henderson, Tennessee — (March 31, 2023) — Freed-Hardeman University pre-health majors learned about the opportunities ahead of them as Dr. Emily McDuffee, a former FHU faculty member turned osteopathic medicine and cancer treatment physician, talked about her experiences in patient treatment and how to deal with life and death.
McDuffee said it is important for physicians to give patients grace after they have received a life-altering diagnosis. “Tell the truth with compassion and love,” she said. “Let them process - there will be anger, tears and in some cases they may want to pray. But it is important to be real, be truthful and compassionate. Patients value it when you take the time, and they know someone is there.”
She also discussed several relevant topics including the ethics behind cancer treatment, research and end of life decisions. “Everybody is a story, and we need to see the person and their story, not just treat the problem,” McDuffee said, adding that treating physicians have to consider three important factors. “Who is the patient, that’s really important. Also, we have to know what’s important to them and what’s possible. And we have to discuss where they want to be when they pass away.”
McDuffee said physicians in her specialty have to consider if they can treat for a cure or for palliative care. “As we get older, we have to realize our physical and health changes,” she said. “So if I’m only going to hurt someone, then I'm not going to offer the treatment.”
When giving a patient a cancer diagnosis, McDuffee works to protect the family. “I try not to let the family be the bad person,” she said. “I try to convey that we’re in a different place. The reality is that we all face death. This is a morbid discussion, and I’m sorry. But it’s real.”
McDuffee shared with students the importance of respecting a patients’ decision about their care. “We are supposed to present information and give patients options, and I hate dealing in numbers because I can’t put my God in a box,” she said. “The job is to be there with them and support the family.”
Following McDuffee’s presentation students posed several questions about how she compartmentalizes life from the challenging work she does and how she would suggest future medical professionals to keep work at work.
“Try to remember that other people are depending on you,” she said. “I don’t have trouble sleeping at night because of what I’ve done for the patient. You have to make sure the staff is ok, and that everyone takes care of each other. Invest in the people who are with you. It’s almost like grief support - talk to God and treat other people the way you would want to be treated.”
Ethics colloquiums are offered each semester for students in the pre-health arts program. Last fall
Dr. Steve Hammond, a long-time OBGYN in Jackson, Tennessee, shared his story of why he went from performing abortions to being an avid supporter of the pro-life movement.
The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associates, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.
