Throughout the semester Purdue University North Central students enrolled in BIOL 306 “Biology of Medical Ethics” participate in a service learning component which helps them to further their understanding of the moral-ethical-biological aspects of modern medicine. Students will be working with one of several medical sites which help to meet the needs of the local communities surrounding PNC. These local community partners are: St. Anthony Memorial Hospital, LaPorte Hospital, Hilltop Community Health Clinic, LifeCare Nursing Home and Harbor Light Hospice. The community partners welcome students into their inner circles of their organizations and share ethical situations that involve patients, their family members, and those who care for them. In the process, students are exposed to the strengths, restraints, and challenges of our health care delivery system. They learn about confidentiality, patient rights, legal protection and barriers, injustices, the binding of oaths and the responsibility of licensure, the power and influence of faith, and the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

A Day of Learning & Service is being planned for April 24, 2009 to celebrate and showcase the work done by all PNC students, faculty, and staff. The Day of Learning & Service will include a poster presentation, various speakers and a celebration lunch where participants across campus and network and share what they have learned over the course of the semester. The day will conclude with an afternoon of service. All PNC students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to participate in the Day of Learning and Service.

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