What Is Ethics?
Ethics tells us how to act. Some ethical theories require us to do what provides the best long-term consequences for the most people; others tell us to meet specific obligations to each individual, regardless of the overall consequences. To make good ethical decisions, you must be able to analyze problems from various ethical perspectives. In my courses you will learn basic ethical theories, how to apply these theories, and what obligations you have as a professional.
University of Maryland
Senior Lecturer, Honors Program; and Lecturer, Fischell Department of Bioengineering
Medical Devices: Applied Ethics and Public Policy (HONR 288L)
Applied Ethics and Public Policy for Bioengineers (BIOE 150)
Course Summary
Medical device manufacturers, researchers, and the NIH, FDA, CMS, and U.S. Congress all participate in the development of medical devices and their use by clinicians and patients. The relationships that exist between these stakeholders create the rights and obligations of each. Ethics helps us to define the role responsibilities that each of the stakeholders has in these relationships.

We study professionalism, codes of ethics, and the role of professionals in society. We also study real ethical dilemmas, including some from my experience as a regulatory consultant and former Director of the Division of Cardiovascular Devices at the FDA. Case studies include controversies concerning breast implants, artificial hearts, deaths due to faulty mechanical heart valves, and allegations of scientific misconduct.

Successes are the result of the technical knowledge we learn in college. Disasters often occur because professionals fail to fully consider the long-term consequences of their actions and their professional responsibilities to their employers and society. My courses address these issues.
Glenn Rahmoeller, MSEE, MS (Physiology)
I am a biomedical engineer, with over 30 years experience in government and private industry. I have been teaching applied ethics as it relates to medical technology since 1998.
If you have any questions, you may contact me at rahmoeller@verizon.net.