Tuesday, May 11, 2021
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. ET
This CERL Forum is the culmination of CERL’s
blog exploration of the Goldwater Rule and the rule’s
controversial place in the psychiatry profession
and American society
The campaign and presidency of Donald J. Trump triggered vigorous debate among psychiatrists about the Goldwater Rule. Set by the American Psychiatric Association, the rule prohibits statements by psychiatrists about a public figure’s mental health without a proper examination and patient authorization. The APA views such statements to be unethical and irresponsible. Many psychiatrists believe the rule erodes their duty to protect public health and puts society’s safety at risk. Some also believe it marginalizes them from participating in the political process.
Will psychiatrists and other mental health professionals ever be able to publicly and ethically comment or warn the public about the mental state of the next powerful leader whom they believe puts the people in harm’s way?
The expert panelists will revisit the Goldwater Rule and answer these questions and more:
Moderator |
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Jonathan D. Moreno Ph.D, David & Lyn Silfen University Professor and Professor of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania |
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Panelists |
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Norman Eisen |
Bandy X. Lee |
Richard Painter |
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Claire Pouncey |
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Paul Summergrad |
Psychiatrists’ responsibility to society: Rethinking the Goldwater Rule
by Bandy X Lee, M.D., M.DIV.
3/31/2021
Challenging the Goldwater Rule: When principles are in conflict
by John Martin-Joy, M.D.
4/1/2021
Professional ethics, role of psychiatrists, and the Goldwater Rule
by Stephen N. Xenakis, M.D., Brigadier General (Ret.), U.S. Army
4/6/2021
The essential role of fiduciary duties: Presidential politics, the medical profession, and the Goldwater Rule
by Paul Summergrad, M.D., FRCPSYCH (HON)
4/14/2021
In Trump’s wake, psychiatry is challenged
by Michael D’Antonio
4/15/2021
Democracy needs mental health experts to speak up
by Richard Painter and Norman Eisen
5/7/2021
Is the Goldwater Rule out of step with medical ethics? How four past APA presidents morally
justify the Goldwater Rule
by Claire Pouncey, M.D., Ph.D.
5/8/2021