We are entering the era of gene editing. In your view, what ethical considerations do you think should guide the use of genome editing in medicine?
Specialty-Specific
Purpose
This question is all about understanding your ethical reasoning on gene editing. Interviewers want to see if you grasp the serious implications of changing the human genome, not just the science behind it.
Tips
- Acknowledge both the potential benefits and the ethical risks involved.
- Make a clear distinction between somatic and germline editing and their different ethical implications.
- Discuss key ethical principles like patient safety, informed consent, and equity in access to treatments.
Common mistakes
- Don't brush off ethical concerns; they matter just as much as the science.
- Avoid treating somatic and germline editing as the same; they have different ethical stakes.
- Steer clear of overly simplistic answers that don't show deep thought about the complexities involved.