“Medical Ethics on the Battlefield: The Misunderstood Case of Penicillin in WWII” Presentation Recording Now Available
Join us on Monday, December 2nd at 4pm in the Evelyn Fike Laupus Gallery for a presentation by Sheena M. Eagan, MPH PhD, Associate Professor of Bioethics & Interdisciplinary Studies.
Dr. Sheena Eagan, MPH, PhD
Medical Ethics on the Battlefield: The Misunderstood Case of Penicillin in WWII
The presentation presents research that reexamines the case of penicillin use during World War II, often cited as a classic example of reverse triage in military medical ethics. Unlike traditional triage, reverse triage prioritizes soldiers with less severe injuries for quick treatment to return them to battle, notably favoring those with sexually transmitted infections over the critically injured. The authors argue that penicillin allocation during WWII did not adhere to the reverse triage principle and this work challenges the simplistic narratives surrounding this case, arguing that the case serves as an example of evolving medical practice, resource allocation, ethically sound research, and ethical decision-making in the context of wartime.
You can also attend the event virtually.
This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided.
Directions and Parking Information
If you’d like to travel by bus from Main Campus, take bus 302 from the Main Campus Student Center to the Allied Health Sciences Building. Check 302 bus schedule
This presentation is part of the Ruth and John Moskop History of Medicine Lecture Series.
Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at least 48 hours prior to the event at (252) 737-1018 (voice/TTY) / ada-coordinator@ecu.edu