Ethical Challenges & Healthcare Inequities
A long, unhurried conversation with Jack Hopkins about being a bioethicist and anesthesiologist
Months ago, I was impatiently waiting for a transplant patient to arrive for surgery at 2 a.m., when I saw a Twitter/X DM from a guy named
asking if I’d be a guest on his new podcast. I can only do so many interviews, and I wasn’t sure his show would be a good fit. We went back and forth about his goals and interests. The things he wanted to discuss weren’t exactly in my scope, so I sent back a list of friends and colleagues I thought might be better. I sent a list of the things I know more about — bioethics, transplant anesthesia, reproductive justice, trauma-informed care, and sexual assault.The topics I generally discuss are neither light nor fun, and I thought he’d move on down the list I sent. My patient arrived, and I got to work.
After I’d slept away the following day after the transplant, and checked the app again, Jack surprised me by responding with more about his story and his interest in healthcare and the intersection with politics. He asked if I’d come on and that we could talk about any of these topics and see where the conversation took us.
Ultimately, I said yes.
In a media landscape that rewards short soundbites and high drama, I rarely have a significant, uninterrupted, and unhurried conversation about so many important topics I care about at once.
We covered ethical decision-making, healthcare regulation, access to care, the emotional dimension of anesthesia practice, corporate healthcare burdens on patients, conscientious objection, gender-based violence prevention, and child abuse. (If hearing about some of these issues will be activating for you, please take care of yourself and skip this one out)
Here’s how Jack describes our conversation:
“Have you ever wondered how bioethics shapes healthcare decisions? Join us on the Jack Hopkins Show Podcast for a compelling conversation with Dr. Alyssa Burgart, a pioneer in clinical bioethics and pediatric anesthesia. We unpack the complex interplay between biomedical sciences and philosophy, guiding you through the thorny ethical dilemmas that healthcare professionals face daily. Dr. Burgart brings her vast experience to the table, shedding light on the critical need for standardized ethical guidelines and the nuanced ways bioethics must respect diverse cultural and moral viewpoints.
Our discussion goes beyond the corridors of the hospital to tackle pressing issues like healthcare regulation and access inequity. We uncover the often unseen emotional weight carried by medical professionals, struggling against insurance limitations and economic disparities that hinder their ability to deliver optimal care. From the bureaucratic maze of insurance restrictions to the stark contrast in healthcare access between rich and poor communities, we expose the systemic faults that affect the well-being of children and the long-term health consequences of inadequate care.
In the latter part of the episode, we shift focus to the deeply personal and emotionally charged challenges faced by anesthesiologists, particularly those specializing in pediatric care and organ transplants. Dr. Burgart offers invaluable insights into the ethical and emotional burdens of caring for critically ill children, stressing the importance of understanding each patient’s unique needs. We also explore broader societal issues—from gender-based violence prevention to the impact of corporate healthcare systems on worker well-being. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the ethical, emotional, and systemic complexities of modern healthcare.”
I thought I was signing up for an interview, but it was really a back-and-forth conversation. I hope you enjoy it!
You can listen on your favorite podcast app, watch on YouTube, or subscribe to Jack’s Substack.
