Speaker: Ira J. Kodner, MD
Lecture Title: “Medical Ethics and Frankenstein’s Monster.”
Location: Bernard Becker Medical Library, King Center, 7th floor
Time: Thursday, September 17, 4:30-5:30pm
A free lecture supported by the Becker Library and the Center for History of Medicine
Ira J. Kodner, MD, Emeritus Professor of Surgery at Washington University, will present the 46th Historia Medica lecture on Thursday, September 17, 2015 at 4:30 p.m.
Dr. Kodner will present an interesting and thought-provoking lecture titled, “Medical Ethics and Frankenstein’s Monster.” Two hundred years ago, Mary Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein, portrayed a dark fantasy — a man who succeeds in creating life. Dr. Frankenstein abandoned his monster only to be destroyed by it, and Shelley’s tale vividly foreshadows many of the ethical, medical, and social challenges we confront today. Dr. Kodner will address issues raised by stem cell research, care for the underserved and underinsured of our country, and the destructive power of prejudice and forced isolation.