About Us
In 1990, just as Dr. Hendrix began his internship at Tuft’s New England Medical Center, he noticed a strong dialogue between doctors, nurses and patients concerning what the patients wanted and what the hospital felt was in their best interests. It was then that the idea for the Society for the Discussion of Medical Ethics started. Dr. Hendrix wanted to create an environment that would lend itself to thoughtful discussion in the areas that most affected patients, families and communities. He launched SDME in 1992 with only one volunteer. The Society has grown to have over 25 medical and legal specialists volunteering their time to enhance public education on medical ethics. As well every year, the Society boasts over 100 part-time volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure dialogue between professionals and the public stays open, as well as maintain most of the website and moderate the forums.
Today, the Society for the Discussion of Medical Ethics is one of the world’s most recognized non-profit groups and has over one million members from around the globe. Every year an annual symposium is held in different locations around North America to promote discussion and debate on some of the most important ethical issues involving the Mind, the Body, and the Life. While the society boasts annual attendance over one thousand, the atmosphere of each seminar at the annual summit provides very interactive and engaging discussion between medical professionals, legal professionals, patients and enthusiasts.
Today, the Society for the Discussion of Medical Ethics is one of the world’s most recognized non-profit groups and has over one million members from around the globe. Every year an annual symposium is held in different locations around North America to promote discussion and debate on some of the most important ethical issues involving the Mind, the Body, and the Life. While the society boasts annual attendance over one thousand, the atmosphere of each seminar at the annual summit provides very interactive and engaging discussion between medical professionals, legal professionals, patients and enthusiasts.
Donate
The Society is funded by donations from its members and organizations that support the discussion of medical ethics.
Conference
__ Every year, members of the Society get together for our annual conference.
Forum
The goal of the Society is to encourage the discussion of the topics covered in our site. See what everyone is talking about and join the conversation.