Program Description: 
This ethics presentation and discussion explore the tensions that arise when healthcare providers find themselves in principled disagreement with established “best practices,” using the recent New York Times Magazine exposé on ADHD prescribing in children as a focal point. Drawing from John Stuart Mill’s utilitarianism, the discussion considers whether challenging the status quo—despite potential conflict—can lead to greater overall good. The talk will connect this issue to broader patterns across medical disciplines, emphasizing the ethical responsibility to act when silence risks harm, scandal, or public mistrust. Ultimately, it invites reflection on how professional integrity and philosophical reasoning can guide action in ethically complex landscapes.
 
Bioethics and Medical Humanities Grand Rounds provides a monthly forum for teaching participants to resolve cases based on the best ethical practices. Bioethics and Medical Humanities Grand Rounds also provides information on any legislative changes that occur so that clinicians are ready to implement them. The Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities is the only clinical ethics center in Wisconsin. The faculty are leaders in clinical ethics and set the agenda for clinical ethics practice in Southeastern Wisconsin.
 
Key Words: Bioethics, Clinical Ethics, Health Care Ethics, Medical Ethics, Medical Humanities
Target audience: 
  • Physicians
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Physician Assistants
Learning objectives: 

Participants who engage in this educational intervention will be able to:

  • Analyze the ethical implications of adhering to or challenging established best practices in medical and mental health care, with reference to ADHD prescribing controversies.
  • Evaluate the potential risks and benefits of professional dissent through the lens of utilitarian ethics, particularly John Stuart Mill’s framework.
  • Formulate strategies for ethically navigating principled disagreements in clinical practice to promote transparency, accountability, and public trust.
Faculty & credentials: 
Activity Director(s):
Arthur R. Derse, MD, JD
Professor and Director
Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities
Medical College of Wisconsin
 
Speaker:
Samuel Gable, PhD
Assistant Professor and Child Psychologist
Psychiatry and Behavioral Health
Medical College of Wisconsin
 
In accordance with the ACCME® Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education, Standard 3, all in control of content must disclose any relevant financial relationships. The following in control of content had no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
  • Arthur R. Derse
  • Samuel Gable

Contact

Name: 
Kris Tym
Email: 
[email protected]

ACCME Accreditation Statement:
The Medical College of Wisconsin is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

AMA Credit Designation Statement:
The Medical College of Wisconsin designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Hours of Participation for Allied Health Care Professionals:
The Medical College of Wisconsin designates this activity for up to 1.00 hours of participation for continuing education for allied health professionals.

Session date: 
10/29/2025 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm CDT
Location: 
Virtual Meeting
Milwaukee, WI
United States
See map: Google Maps
Add to calendar: 
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
    AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
  • 1.00 Hours of Participation
    Hours of Participation credit.
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