Georgetown University Medical Center

Xiaomei Zhai, PhD

Section: Edmund D. Pellegrino Fellows

Dr. Zhai is a professor and director of the Center for Bioethics in the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College.

Research Proposal Topic: 

The goal of the project is to explore the issue "What the Physicain-Patient Relationship Should be in the Era of Globalization?" First, I want to examine the change of the circumstances now (in the eral of globalization) compared with the circumstances where Confucian doctors live. Then I would like to explore is there any timeless nature in medicine,or is there anything imcompatible between medicine and market/commerce. My tentative hypothesis is: (1) Any change since the time of Confucian doctors won't be able to justify the change of PPR to a commercial one; (2) There is a timeless nature in medicine which makes medicine and market/business incompatible. The tentative hypothesis can be confirmed or rejected at the end of the project.

The main resources will be Confucian theory of medical morality and Dr. Edmund Pellegrino's theory on PPR as a fiduciary relationship between physician and patient. If I am able to confirm the coincidence of Confucian theory an Pellegrino's theory on PPR, I will further explore how to restore the fiduciary PPR, medical professionalism and the art of ren in China. The result will be a recommendation to Chinese government.