How OU-HCOM May Shape Better Physicians

In 2024, Ohio University was recognized as the leading institution for medical education in the state, earning national attention for its commitment to serving underserved communities. The university ranked 29^th in the nation for producing graduates who practice in rural areas and held the top spot in Ohio for graduates entering primary care.  

Amid these achievements, I reached out to the Biomedical Ethics Club and had the opportunity to speak with two of its leaders: Cameron Gantz, a second-year medical student at the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU-HCOM) and the club’s president, and Josh Marcum, also a second-year student and the club’s treasurer. Josh shared that he is particularly interested in internal medicine and emergency medicine.

Both Cameron and Josh emphasized the club’s importance in shaping thoughtful, ethically grounded future physicians. They explained that the club encourages students to think critically about ethical dilemmas early in their training, helping them develop the awareness needed to provide equitable, harm-reducing, patient-centered care. By working through real-world cases, members strengthen their reasoning skills, deepen their understanding of ethical principles and clinical vocabulary, and prepare for the complex decisions they will face in hospital settings. They also noted that because ethical content in the curriculum is often brief or secondary to other material, the club creates a dedicated space for deeper, more meaningful engagement with these issues, ultimately contributing to the development of well-rounded physicians.

Cameron and Josh also highlighted that the Biomedical Ethics Club offers value beyond the medical field. While medical students benefit most from clinically focused discussions, anyone can gain insight into how healthcare providers navigate ethical challenges. Understanding concepts such as HIPAA, medical futility, and the limit of medical decision-making helps patients better understand their care and foster clearer expectations, more informed interactions, and improved health outcomes.

This club meets monthly to explore complex ethical “gray areas”, including organ transplantation, emerging medical technologies, and substance use. Members analyze real clinical scenarios, identify key ethical considerations, and collaborate on potential solutions. This club also invites ethicists and other professionals to share their expertise and lead discussions on specialized topics. Although many meetings are held virtually, the club is actively working to expand in-person events to further enrich participation and dialogue.

Wanna chat? Email Erin at er965821@ohio.edu, or follow her on instagram @attitudesgenetic