Ethical Differences Between Joe And Danielle Cheating

In this particular article we have two people being the main observation, Joe and

Danielle (who are first year medical students). They both are taking an exam and Joe

has witnessed Danielle cheating via-text messages on her phone and is unsure of what to

do. With the faculty being aware of current student cheating and encouraging students to

report the names of the wrongdoers, he is burdened and angry that he has witnessed this

taking place but does not know if he should report her to the faculty, or if he should take personal responsibility and approach her himself. In addition you also have commentary

by Veronica Catenese (a current doctor) and Paul Aronson( current medical student),

who give their opinions on the subject from two
different perspectives.

In Veronica’s case she takes an approach in which the student should confront the

cheater and express the concerns of them cheating in class.
She states that if a medical

student in class is cheating and you are aware, it’s as much your ethical duty to confront

them as it’s the facultys. Although I can understand her opinion and in a different world

she may be correct, I have to respectfully disagree. In today’s society reporting a fellow

student to faculty because of cheating is not looked at highly by your peers. Sure you

may be helping them in the long run by forcing to actually study, but you can also lose

the respect and trust of some of your fellow students. No one likes to be called a

“snitch” and that label can ultimately make your learning experience a little

uncomfortable. I think that’s why a lot of people just avoid it altogether and let the

faculty deal with it.

Paul Aronson’s opinion is very similar to Veronica’s although he stops short of

saying that one should take it upon themselves confront the cheaters. He does say that

it’s a medical and ethical duty as a practicing physician to report it someone else because

a cheater that cheats their way through medical school can have significant gaps
in

knowledge compared to other students. I can also understand his opinion but I also

would have to disagree with him as well. Here is my opinion, my job as a student is to

acquire and internalize the information that is being taught me. In that I also trust that my

learning institution is making sure that everyone has to do the same without taking any

shortcuts. The job of policing other students is not my responsibility it is the

responsibility of the faculty in which the learning is being provided. The educational

institution is not only responsible for teaching medical students the educational ideals,

but also ethical and professional ideals. It is their duty to enforce the codes of conduct,

not the students.