Patient Care & Ethics

The Karmanos Cancer Institute/Karmanos Cancer Center’s (KCI/KCC) Ethics Committee is an advisory body with a broad, multidisciplinary composition whose purpose is to facilitate the discussion and resolution of ethical issues arising in patient care.

The goal of the Ethics Committee is to improve health care delivery and patient outcomes through recognition of the needs, interests, and rights of patients and of all participants in the delivery of health care.

The KCI/KCC ethics committee serves only KCI/KCC patients, families and caregivers facing an ethical dilemma by encouraging and supporting: ethics education, consultation, critical analysis, ethical reflection, mutually respectful dialogue; and standards of conduct that reflect the organizations commitment to patient-centered care.

What is an ethical dilemma?

An ethical dilemma is a complex situation that often involves an apparent mental conflict and choice between values, beliefs and options for action.

Examples of ethical dilemmas include:

  • When life-sustaining therapy should be given or stopped.
  • When family demands go against what a patient wants.
  • When family and/or patient desires do not agree with the physician’s recommendations.
  • Decisions pertaining to care at the end of life.

How to Consult the Ethics Committee

An ethics consultation can be initiated by patients, family members, or caregivers.

To make a consult

  • Consultations are initiated by calling 313-576-8820.

You will receive an initial response to your ethical consultation request within 24 hours if the request is made Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. If your request is made outside of normal business hours, you will receive an initial response the next business day.

More Information  

For general questions about the Ethics Committee, please call 313-576-9700.

Ethic Committee Members

S. Naweed Raza, M.D., FRCS(C), Chair
Andrea Sampson, NP
Elisheva Newman, M.D.
Misako Nagasaka, M.D.
Kathryn Smolinki, MSW, JD
Truvella Murray, LMSW
Kelley Wilson, FNP-BC, CCRP
Lisa Lange, ANP-BC
Luke Krotkiewicz, Chaplain
Michael Stellini, M.D. 

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