CBC: U of M school of medicine looks at teaching doctor-assisted dying
The Dean of Medicine at the University of Manitoba says it is developing education programs for medical students about physician-assisted dying.
Dr. Brian Postl admits a physician assisting a patient to die is not currently part of the culture or the mission of the school. At the same time, he says there is a recognition that these are the real needs of real people.
Postl was responding to guidelines set out Thursday by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba in its proposed guidelines on physician-assisted dying.
Postl said the lack of legislation on the issue has left a void that by necessity physicians must move to fill.
“I think it was a good effort the college made in trying to find balance, to make sure that there would be no flippancy in any decision that gets made in this regard. It tries to find space to meet the needs of patients and at the same time not compromise physicians who won’t participate or refer,” said Postl.