BIOETHICS ON THE SMALL SCREEN: CONSIDERING THE HISTORY, ACCURACY, AND EDUCATIONAL VALUE OF MEDICAL DRAMAS

Abstract

This thesis considers the history and evolution of television medical dramas beginning in the 1950s and spanning until current day. It assesses both the true accuracy and perceived accuracy of the information provided in these programs and questions the motivations for watching these shows. This thesis additionally considers the potential implications of light and heavy viewing of medical dramas. Furthermore, this thesis addresses the educational aspects of medical dramas, both in the public education and formal education contexts, and considers measures that could be undertaken to improve the educational value of these existing programs.