77 interesting medical research topics for 2024
Last updated
25 November 2023
Reviewed by
Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L
Short on time? Get an AI generated summary of this article instead
Medical research is the gateway to improved patient care and expanding our available treatment options. However, finding a relevant and compelling research topic can be challenging.
Use this article as a jumping-off point to select an interesting medical research topic for your next paper or clinical study.
- How to choose a medical research topic
When choosing a research topic , it’s essential to consider a couple of things. What topics interest you? What unanswered questions do you want to address?
During the decision-making and brainstorming process, here are a few helpful tips to help you pick the right medical research topic:
Focus on a particular field of study
The best medical research is specific to a particular area. Generalized studies are often too broad to produce meaningful results, so we advise picking a specific niche early in the process.
Maybe a certain topic interests you, or your industry knowledge reveals areas of need.
Look into commonly researched topics
Once you’ve chosen your research field, do some preliminary research. What have other academics done in their papers and projects?
From this list, you can focus on specific topics that interest you without accidentally creating a copycat project. This groundwork will also help you uncover any literature gaps—those may be beneficial areas for research.
Get curious and ask questions
Now you can get curious. Ask questions that start with why, how, or what. These questions are the starting point of your project design and will act as your guiding light throughout the process.
For example:
What impact does pollution have on children’s lung function in inner-city neighborhoods?
Why is pollution-based asthma on the rise?
How can we address pollution-induced asthma in young children?
- 77 medical research topics worth exploring in 2023
Need some research inspiration for your upcoming paper or clinical study? We’ve compiled a list of 77 topical and in-demand medical research ideas. Let’s take a look.
- Exciting new medical research topics
If you want to study cutting-edge topics, here are some exciting options:
COVID-19 and long COVID symptoms
Since 2020, COVID-19 has been a hot-button topic in medicine, along with the long-term symptoms in those with a history of COVID-19.
Examples of COVID-19-related research topics worth exploring include:
The long-term impact of COVID-19 on cardiac and respiratory health
COVID-19 vaccination rates
The evolution of COVID-19 symptoms over time
New variants and strains of the COVID-19 virus
Changes in social behavior and public health regulations amid COVID-19
Vaccinations
Finding ways to cure or reduce the disease burden of chronic infectious diseases is a crucial research area. Vaccination is a powerful option and a great topic to research.
Examples of vaccination-related research topics include:
mRNA vaccines for viral infections
Biomaterial vaccination capabilities
Vaccination rates based on location, ethnicity, or age
Public opinion about vaccination safety
Artificial tissues fabrication
With the need for donor organs increasing, finding ways to fabricate artificial bioactive tissues (and possibly organs) is a popular research area.
Examples of artificial tissue-related research topics you can study include:
The viability of artificially printed tissues
Tissue substrate and building block material studies
The ethics and efficacy of artificial tissue creation
- Medical research topics for medical students
For many medical students, research is a big driver for entering healthcare. If you’re a medical student looking for a research topic, here are some great ideas to work from:
Sleep disorders
Poor sleep quality is a growing problem, and it can significantly impact a person’s overall health.
Examples of sleep disorder-related research topics include:
How stress affects sleep quality
The prevalence and impact of insomnia on patients with mental health conditions
Possible triggers for sleep disorder development
The impact of poor sleep quality on psychological and physical health
How melatonin supplements impact sleep quality
Alzheimer’s and dementia
Cognitive conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are on the rise worldwide. They currently have no cure. As a result, research about these topics is in high demand.
Examples of dementia-related research topics you could explore include:
The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in a chosen population
Early onset symptoms of dementia
Possible triggers or causes of cognitive decline with age
Treatment options for dementia-like conditions
The mental and physical burden of caregiving for patients with dementia
- Lifestyle habits and public health
Modern lifestyles have profoundly impacted the average person’s daily habits, and plenty of interesting topics explore its effects.
Examples of lifestyle and public health-related research topics include:
The nutritional intake of college students
The impact of chronic work stress on overall health
The rise of upper back and neck pain from laptop use
Prevalence and cause of repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
- Controversial medical research paper topics
Medical research is a hotbed of controversial topics, content, and areas of study.
If you want to explore a more niche (and attention-grabbing) concept, here are some controversial medical research topics worth looking into:
The benefits and risks of medical cannabis
Depending on where you live, the legalization and use of cannabis for medical conditions is controversial for the general public and healthcare providers.
Examples of medical cannabis-related research topics that might grab your attention include:
The legalization process of medical cannabis
The impact of cannabis use on developmental milestones in youth users
Cannabis and mental health diagnoses
CBD’s impact on chronic pain
Prevalence of cannabis use in young people
The impact of maternal cannabis use on fetal development
Understanding how THC impacts cognitive function
Human genetics
The Human Genome Project identified, mapped, and sequenced all human DNA genes. Its completion in 2003 opened up a world of exciting and controversial studies in human genetics.
Examples of human genetics-related research topics worth delving into include:
Medical genetics and the incidence of genetic-based health disorders
Behavioral genetics differences between identical twins
Genetic risk factors for neurodegenerative disorders
Machine learning technologies for genetic research
Sexual health studies
Human sexuality and sexual health are important (yet often stigmatized) medical topics that need new research and analysis.
As a diverse field ranging from sexual orientation studies to sexual pathophysiology, examples of sexual health-related research topics include:
The incidence of sexually transmitted infections within a chosen population
Mental health conditions within the LGBTQIA+ community
The impact of untreated sexually transmitted infections
Access to safe sex resources (condoms, dental dams, etc.) in rural areas
- Health and wellness research topics
Human wellness and health are trendy topics in modern medicine as more people are interested in finding natural ways to live healthier lifestyles.
If this field of study interests you, here are some big topics in the wellness space:
Gluten sensitivity
Gluten allergies and intolerances have risen over the past few decades. If you’re interested in exploring this topic, your options range in severity from mild gastrointestinal symptoms to full-blown anaphylaxis.
Some examples of gluten sensitivity-related research topics include:
The pathophysiology and incidence of Celiac disease
Early onset symptoms of gluten intolerance
The prevalence of gluten allergies within a set population
Gluten allergies and the incidence of other gastrointestinal health conditions
Pollution and lung health
Living in large urban cities means regular exposure to high levels of pollutants.
As more people become interested in protecting their lung health, examples of impactful lung health and pollution-related research topics include:
The extent of pollution in densely packed urban areas
The prevalence of pollution-based asthma in a set population
Lung capacity and function in young people
The benefits and risks of steroid therapy for asthma
Pollution risks based on geographical location
Plant-based diets
Plant-based diets like vegan and paleo diets are emerging trends in healthcare due to their limited supporting research.
If you’re interested in learning more about the potential benefits or risks of holistic, diet-based medicine, examples of plant-based diet research topics to explore include:
Vegan and plant-based diets as part of disease management
Potential risks and benefits of specific plant-based diets
Plant-based diets and their impact on body mass index
The effect of diet and lifestyle on chronic disease management
Health supplements
Supplements are a multi-billion dollar industry. Many health-conscious people take supplements, including vitamins, minerals, herbal medicine, and more.
Examples of health supplement-related research topics worth investigating include:
Omega-3 fish oil safety and efficacy for cardiac patients
The benefits and risks of regular vitamin D supplementation
Health supplementation regulation and product quality
The impact of social influencer marketing on consumer supplement practices
Analyzing added ingredients in protein powders
- Healthcare research topics
Working within the healthcare industry means you have insider knowledge and opportunity. Maybe you’d like to research the overall system, administration, and inherent biases that disrupt access to quality care.
While these topics are essential to explore, it is important to note that these studies usually require approval and oversight from an Institutional Review Board (IRB). This ensures the study is ethical and does not harm any subjects.
For this reason, the IRB sets protocols that require additional planning, so consider this when mapping out your study’s timeline.
Here are some examples of trending healthcare research areas worth pursuing:
The pros and cons of electronic health records
The rise of electronic healthcare charting and records has forever changed how medical professionals and patients interact with their health data.
Examples of electronic health record-related research topics include:
The number of medication errors reported during a software switch
Nurse sentiment analysis of electronic charting practices
Ethical and legal studies into encrypting and storing personal health data
Inequities within healthcare access
Many barriers inhibit people from accessing the quality medical care they need. These issues result in health disparities and injustices.
Examples of research topics about health inequities include:
The impact of social determinants of health in a set population
Early and late-stage cancer stage diagnosis in urban vs. rural populations
Affordability of life-saving medications
Health insurance limitations and their impact on overall health
Diagnostic and treatment rates across ethnicities
People who belong to an ethnic minority are more likely to experience barriers and restrictions when trying to receive quality medical care. This is due to systemic healthcare racism and bias.
As a result, diagnostic and treatment rates in minority populations are a hot-button field of research. Examples of ethnicity-based research topics include:
Cancer biopsy rates in BIPOC women
The prevalence of diabetes in Indigenous communities
Access inequalities in women’s health preventative screenings
The prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension in Black populations
- Pharmaceutical research topics
Large pharmaceutical companies are incredibly interested in investing in research to learn more about potential cures and treatments for diseases.
If you’re interested in building a career in pharmaceutical research, here are a few examples of in-demand research topics:
Cancer treatment options
Clinical research is in high demand as pharmaceutical companies explore novel cancer treatment options outside of chemotherapy and radiation.
Examples of cancer treatment-related research topics include:
Stem cell therapy for cancer
Oncogenic gene dysregulation and its impact on disease
Cancer-causing viral agents and their risks
Treatment efficacy based on early vs. late-stage cancer diagnosis
Cancer vaccines and targeted therapies
Immunotherapy for cancer
Pain medication alternatives
Historically, opioid medications were the primary treatment for short- and long-term pain. But, with the opioid epidemic getting worse, the need for alternative pain medications has never been more urgent.
Examples of pain medication-related research topics include:
Opioid withdrawal symptoms and risks
Early signs of pain medication misuse
Anti-inflammatory medications for pain control
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289 Medical Argumentative Essay Topics & Ideas
- Icon Calendar 25 September 2024
- Icon Page 3544 words
- Icon Clock 16 min read
Medical argumentative essay topics revolve around debatable issues in the healthcare sector. They aim to challenge readers and writers to ponder ethical, moral, technical, and policy-related questions in medicine. Topics might include vaccination mandates, euthanasia rights, health insurance policies, the role of technology in healthcare, mental health treatments, and others. These subjects seek to encourage rigorous investigation and thoughtful discourse, necessitating both extensive research and empathetic understanding of diverse viewpoints. Such debates are vital to the evolution of medical practices and policies, inviting all stakeholders to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of specific approaches to health and wellness. Ultimately, medical argumentative essay topics stimulate critical thinking and foster insightful conversations about health care’s past, present, and future.
What Is a Medical Argumentative Essay Topic and Its Purpose
According to its definition, a medical argumentative essay topic is a unique issue or controversy within a specific field of medicine, healthcare, or medical ethics, where students take a stance and present evidence to support their viewpoint. For example, the main purpose for selecting a medical argumentative essay topic is to persuade a target audience regarding an overall validity of an author’s argument, utilizing logical reasoning, empirical data, and ethical considerations (Jenicek, 2021). In principle, these themes can range from debates on vaccination policies, the legalization of certain drugs, and healthcare accessibility to ethical dilemmas surrounding euthanasia or medical research on human subjects. By critically examining different perspectives, a medical argumentative essay topic encourages students to engage with complex issues, fostering informed discussions and promoting awareness about significant medical challenges (Koons, 2021). Furthermore, the goal is not only to argue a specific position but also to contribute to a broader discourse surrounding healthcare practices and policies, guiding readers to consider implications for public health, individual rights, and societal values. As a result, various medical argumentative essay subjects are vital in shaping opinions and influencing decisions in an ever-evolving medical landscape, making them an essential component of academic discourse in a medical field.
How to Choose
Selecting an appropriate medical argumentative essay topic is a critical process that requires students to follow a careful consideration of several factors. To begin with, students should identify contemporary issues within a chosen field by reviewing recent scholarly articles, news publications, and ongoing healthcare debates (Kleemola et al., 2022). Basically, this approach facilitates an entire discovery of relevant topics that resonate with current discussions. Further on, reflecting on personal interests and passions related to medicine is important, as a topic that evokes genuine curiosity enhances motivation and engagement throughout an entire research and writing process (Jenicek, 2021). After compiling a list of potential topics, students should evaluate an overall availability of credible research sources to ensure that sufficient evidence can be gathered to substantiate the arguments. Moreover, people should narrow their focus and concentrate on specific aspects of broader issues to allow for a more comprehensive analysis without becoming overly generalized (Crossley & Tian, 2022). In principle, assessing a specific controversy and relevance of a selected topic is crucial because choosing a right issue that invites debate and has significant implications for public health or ethical considerations will create a compelling narrative that effectively engages readers. In turn, some steps for picking a good medical argumentative essay topic include:
- Identify Current Issues in Medicine: Explore recent news articles, research studies, and healthcare debates to find relevant and timely topics that are generating discussion in a medical community.
- Consider Personal Interests: Reflect on your passions and curiosities within a medical field, as choosing a topic that resonates with you will enhance your motivation and engagement during an entire writing process.
- Evaluate Available Research: Assess an overall availability of credible sources and research materials related to your potential topics, ensuring you can gather sufficient evidence to support your argument effectively.
- Narrow Down Your Options: Focus on specific aspects of broader issues to create a more manageable topic that allows for in-depth analysis and clear argumentation without being overly general.
- Assess Controversy and Relevance: Choose a topic that sparks debate and has significant implications for public health, policy, or ethical considerations, as this feature will create a compelling argument that engages your audience.
Best Medical Argumentative Essay Topics
- The Ethical Implications of Gene Editing: A Paradigm Shift in Medicine
- Mandatory Vaccinations: A Public Health Necessity or Personal Liberty Infringement?
- Exploring Alternative Medicine: Should Insurance Cover Holistic Treatments?
- Regulation of Stem Cell Research: Ethical Concerns and Medical Breakthroughs
- End-of-Life Care: The Controversial Argument for Assisted Suicide
- Impact of Telemedicine: An Improvement or Deterioration in Patient Care?
- Advanced AI in Healthcare: Potential Risks and Unprecedented Benefits
- Psychotherapy vs. Medication: Best Approach for Mental Health Issues
- Animal Experimentation in Medicine: Necessary Evil or Inhumane Practice?
- Health Implications of GMO Foods: A Matter of Safety or Fear-Mongering?
- Price Transparency in Healthcare: A Solution to Exorbitant Costs or a Pandora’s Box?
- Debate Surrounding Childhood Obesity: Who Bears the Responsibility?
- Cosmetic Surgery: A Matter of Personal Choice or Social Pressure?
- Implementation of Universal Healthcare: Boon or Burden?
- Repercussions of Antibiotic Overuse: Superbugs and the Threat to Public Health
- Vegetarianism and Veganism: Health Benefits or Nutritional Deficiencies?
- Euthanasia: An Act of Compassion or a Slippery Slope?
- Organ Donation: Should It Be Compulsory or Remain Voluntary?
- Long-term Effects of Prenatal Substance Exposure: Understanding the Consequences
- Physician-Assisted Suicide: Ethical Compass or A Bridge Too Far?
- Right to Try Experimental Drugs: Humanitarian Act or Risky Business?
- Chronic Pain Management: Opioid Dependency vs. Patient Autonomy
- Transgender Health Rights: The Importance of Inclusive Medical Services
- Vaccine Hesitancy: Understanding the Anti-Vax Movement
Easy Medical Argumentative Essay Topics
- Legalization of Medical Marijuana: Miracle Drug or Gateway Substance?
- Nanotechnology in Medicine: Pioneering Innovations or Ethical Minefield?
- Childhood Vaccinations and Autism: Debunking the Misinformation
- Genetically Modified Organisms: Lifesavers or Health Hazards?
- Allocation of Scarce Medical Resources: A Matter of Justice or Efficiency?
- Mental Health Stigma: Does It Hinder Access to Quality Care?
- Maternal Mortality Rates: Societal Factors and Public Health Strategies
- Roles of Big Pharma: Medicine Accessibility vs. Profitability
- Nutritional Guidelines: Science-Based Recommendations or Influenced by Food Industry?
- Impact of Environmental Pollution on Human Health: A Silent Killer?
- Artificial Intelligence in Diagnostics: Efficiency vs. Human Judgment
- Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing: Empowerment or Privacy Concern?
- CRISPR Technology: A Revolution in Medicine or Unleashing Unknown Dangers?
- Right to Privacy vs. Public Health: Contact Tracing in Pandemic Response
- Medical Marijuana vs. Opioids: A Better Option for Pain Management?
- The Role of Probiotics in Gut Health: Fad or Fact?
- Decoding the Human Microbiome: Implications for Health and Disease
- Fast Food Consumption and Health: Unraveling the Direct Connection
- Does Screen Time Affect Children’s Mental Health?
- Artificial Sweeteners: Safe Alternatives or Hidden Dangers?
- Robotic Surgery: Innovation or Excessive Medicalization?
- Exploring Epigenetics: Influence of Lifestyle on Gene Expression
- Antibacterial Soaps: Do They Contribute to Antibiotic Resistance?
- Animal Assisted Therapy: Pseudoscience or Effective Treatment?
- Human Cloning: Ethical Dilemma in the Medical Field
- The Controversial Debate Around Gluten Sensitivity
Interesting Medical Argumentative Essay Topics
- Home Births vs. Hospital Births: Weighing the Risks and Benefits
- Is Functional Medicine the Future of Healthcare?
- Challenges and Possibilities in Personalized Medicine
- Implications of 3D Printed Organs: A New Era in Transplantation?
- Acupuncture in Modern Medicine: Anecdotal Belief or Scientifically Proven?
- Detox Diets: Health Benefits or Nutritional Risk?
- Addressing Health Inequality: Is it a Medical or Social Responsibility?
- Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine: Hopeful Promises or Unrealistic Expectations?
- Evaluating the Efficacy of Chiropractic Care
- The Health Impact of Air Pollution: An Underestimated Threat?
- Designer Babies: A Step Too Far in Genetic Engineering?
- Health Consequences of Sleep Deprivation: A Growing Concern
- Ethical Issues Surrounding Surrogacy and Assisted Reproductive Technologies
- Sugar Tax: Effective Public Health Measure or Unjust Policy?
- The Future of Virtual Reality in Healthcare
- The Truth about Processed Foods: Are They Really That Bad?
- Can Meditation Influence Physical Health?
- Does a Universal Blood Donor Type Really Exist?
- Antibiotic-Free Meat: Health Consciousness or Marketing Ploy?
- The Debate Around Prophylactic Mastectomy
- Exploring the Impact of Music Therapy on Mental Health
- Are Digital Health Records a Security Risk?
- Antidepressants and Teenagers: Are We Overprescribing?
- The Controversy Over Electronic Cigarettes: Health Savior or Stealthy Killer?
- Should Life-Saving Medication Be Exempt From Patents?
Controversial Medical Argumentative Essay Topics
- Mandatory Vaccinations: Public Health vs. Personal Freedom
- Justification of Animal Testing in Medical Research
- The Morality of Assisted Suicide: Patients’ Rights and Medical Ethics
- Embryonic Stem Cell Research: Unethical Practice or Medical Breakthrough?
- Allocation of Scarce Medical Resources: Whom Should We Prioritize?
- Transgender Medicine: Necessity of Hormone Therapy and Surgical Procedures
- Roles of Alternative Medicine in Modern Healthcare: Validity and Effectiveness
- Antidepressants and Teenagers: Overdiagnosis or Appropriate Treatment?
- Cosmetic Surgery: Medical Necessity or Vanity?
- Use of Placebos in Clinical Trials: Ethical Considerations
- Mental Health Disorders: The Controversy Over Diagnosis and Treatment
- Genetic Testing: Right to Know or Ignorance Is Bliss?
- Telemedicine: Risks, Benefits, and Ethical Implications
- Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Healthcare: Solutions and Challenges
- Nanotechnology in Medicine: Potential Risks and Ethical Issues
- Diet and Nutrition: The Controversial Role in Preventive Medicine
- Prescription Drug Abuse: A Crisis or Misunderstood Issue?
- Fertility Treatments: Ethical Implications and Potential Abuses
- Regulating Digital Health Applications: Necessity or Invasion of Privacy?
- Roles of AI in Healthcare: Are Doctors Becoming Obsolete?
- Human Cloning: Science Fiction or Future Reality?
- Childhood Obesity: Parental Neglect or Societal Failure?
- Euthanasia: Compassionate Care or Ethical Dilemma?
- Human Genome Editing: Future Potential and Ethical Concerns
- Internet and Health Information: Self-Diagnosis or Health Anxiety?
- Physician Burnout: An Occupational Hazard or Systemic Issue?
- Access to Experimental Treatments: Patient’s Right or Ethical Quandary?
Compare and Contrast Medical Argumentative Essay Topics
- Traditional Medicine vs. Modern Medicine: Is Old Always Gold?
- Allopathic Treatment Approaches Compared to Homeopathic Techniques: Which Is More Beneficial?
- Palliative Care and Hospice Care: Examining Similarities and Differences
- Vaccination Advocacy vs. Anti-Vaccination Stance: A Comprehensive Analysis
- Medical Marijuana and Pharmaceutical Drugs: Evaluating Benefits and Drawbacks
- Psychiatric Treatment: Psychotherapy vs. Medication
- Roles of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Diagnosis vs. Human Expertise
- Benefits of Telemedicine Compared with Traditional In-Person Consultations
- Dietary Management vs. Medication in Diabetes Control: What Works Best?
- Integrative Medicine and Conventional Medicine: A Comparative Study
- Advantages of Robotic Surgery vs. Conventional Surgical Methods
- Eastern Medicine Philosophies vs. Western Medical Practices: Contrasting Approaches
- Health Benefits of Organic Foods vs. Genetically Modified Foods: A Scientific Analysis
- Chiropractic Healing Compared With Physical Therapy: Effectiveness in Pain Management
- Private Healthcare and Public Healthcare: Analyzing Quality and Accessibility
- Prenatal Screening vs. Postnatal Screening: Impacts on Early Disease Detection
- Prosthetic Advancements and Natural Limb Capabilities: A Comparison Study
- The Debate Between Antibiotics and Probiotics: Examining Long-Term Health Effects
- Stem Cell Research vs. Traditional Medical Research: Ethical and Practical Considerations
- Invasive Surgeries vs. Non-Invasive Procedures: Comparing Risks and Benefits
- Pediatric Care vs. Adult Healthcare: Differences in Treatment Approaches
- Animal Testing and In Vitro Testing: Evaluating Ethical and Scientific Standpoints
- Fitness Regimens vs. Medication: Approaches to Cardiovascular Health Improvement
- Holistic Nursing vs. Specialized Nursing: Diverse Perspectives on Patient Care
- Laser Treatments vs. Surgical Treatments: Examining Efficiency and Side Effects
- Roles of Meditation in Stress Relief vs. Pharmaceutical Interventions
Healthcare Argumentative Essay Topics
- Balancing Public Health and Individual Freedom: A Tightrope Walk
- Is Mandatory Vaccination for Adults a Necessity?
- The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Improving Healthcare Delivery
- Should Be Assisted Suicide Legalized Globally or Not?
- Analyzing the Impact of Telemedicine on Traditional Healthcare Services
- Effectiveness of Holistic and Alternative Medicine: Myth or Reality?
- Are Pharmaceutical Companies Exploiting the Sick for Profits?
- Weighing the Pros and Cons of Single-Payer Healthcare Systems
- Evaluating the Implications of Genetic Engineering in Healthcare
- Compulsory Organ Donation: An Ethical Solution to Organ Shortage?
- Antibiotic Resistance: Should We Curb Over-the-Counter Availability?
- Is Homeopathy a Valid Treatment Option or Pseudoscience?
- Assessing the Effects of Medical Tourism on Domestic Healthcare Systems
- Should Health Insurance Coverage Be a Universal Right?
- Do Digital Health Records Infringe Upon Patient Privacy?
- Promoting Preventive Medicine Over Reactive Treatments: A Policy Change?
- Do Patients Understand the Full Implications of Informed Consent?
- Does Medical Advertising Mislead Patients?
- Fast Food Industry’s Responsibility for Rising Obesity Rates
- Are Price Controls Necessary for Prescription Drugs?
- Mandatory Physical Education in Schools: An Answer to Childhood Obesity?
- Assessing the Viability of Medicare for All People
- Can Animal Testing Be Justified in the Era of Advanced Technology?
- Discussing the Ethics of Cosmetic Surgery: Is It Justifiable?
- Should Substance Abuse Treatment Be Favored Over Incarceration?
- Is Personalized Medicine the Future of Healthcare?
- Potential Health Hazards of Genetically Modified Foods: A Legitimate Concern?
Academic Difference
Academic level differences in medical argumentative essay topics significantly influence an overall complexity and depth of analysis required. At an undergraduate level, common subjects often focus on foundational issues in healthcare, such as an effectiveness of vaccines or ethical implications of medical treatments (Jenicek, 2021). Basically, these themes may emphasize a presentation of clear arguments supported by basic research, aiming to develop critical thinking and analytical skills. In contrast, graduate-level topics demand a more sophisticated understanding of nuanced medical debates, such as some implications of healthcare policy reforms or ethical considerations surrounding genetic engineering (Jenicek, 2021). In writing, graduate students are expected to engage with advanced research methodologies and theoretical frameworks, presenting a more comprehensive analysis of the issues at hand. At a doctoral level, medical argumentative essay topics may explore cutting-edge subjects that push standard boundaries of existing knowledge, such as societal impacts of artificial intelligence in healthcare or ethical dilemmas posed by emerging biotechnologies (Rogers, 2024). Besides, an entire emphasis is on original research contributions and synthesis of complex ideas, requiring a mastery of a subject matter. In turn, all arguments must be presented in a clear and persuasive way, while a target audience must understand them without any issue (Ferretti & Graham, 2019). Consequently, a particular academic level dictates not only a specific scope of medical argumentative essay topics but also a depth of critical engagement and analytical rigor expected in an entire writing process.
Medical Argumentative Essay Topics for High School
- Effectiveness of Vaccines in Preventing Infectious Diseases
- Integrating Holistic Medicine into Traditional Healthcare
- Impacts of Mental Health on Physical Well-Being
- Importance of Sex Education in High Schools
- Debate on Abortion: Ethical Perspectives
- Medical Marijuana: Risks vs. Benefits
- Ethics of Animal Testing in Medical Research
- Impacts of Nutrition on Chronic Illness Management
- Consequences of Sleep Deprivation on Teenagers
- Roles of Telemedicine in Modern Healthcare
- Possibility of Human Cloning: Ethical Concerns
- Dangers of Cosmetic Surgery: Vanity or Necessity
- Advances in Neonatal Care: Ethical Dilemmas
- Roles of Regular Exercise in Preventing Disease
- Issues Surrounding Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
- Health Risks Associated with Sedentary Lifestyles
- Medical Ethics: The Case for Patient Confidentiality
- Technology’s Impact on Patient Care Quality
- Genetic Testing: A Blessing or Curse?
- Efficacy of Alternative Medicine: Myths and Facts
- Implications of Stem Cell Research: Ethical Perspective
- Crisis in Mental Health Services: Solutions and Challenges
- Use of Antidepressants in Children: Safety and Efficacy
- Roles of Medical Professionals in Tackling Substance Abuse
Medical Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School
- Debate on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Health Benefits and Risks
- Power of the Placebo Effect: Psychological and Biological Factors
- Controversy over Childhood Obesity and the Responsibility of Food Companies
- Ethics of Organ Donation and Transplants
- Legalizing Assisted Suicide: Human Right or Ethical Dilemma?
- Roles of Sports in Maintaining Mental Health
- Ethics Surrounding Prenatal Genetic Testing
- Consequences of Antibiotic Overuse and Resistance
- Controversy Around ADHD Medication for Children
- Importance of Preventive Care in Healthcare Systems
- Potential Health Risks of Wireless Technology
- Dangers of Non-Prescription Drug Use Among Teenagers
- Exploring the Psychological Impact of Chronic Pain
- Understanding the Ethics of Gene Editing Technologies
- Legalizing Psychedelics for Therapeutic Use: Risks and Benefits
- Challenging Stigmas Attached to Mental Health Disorders
- Advancements in Prosthetic Technology: Ethical Considerations
- Impacts of Air Pollution on Respiratory Diseases
- Necessity of Immunizations: Public Health vs. Personal Choice
- The Ethics of Using AI in Medical Diagnostics
- Obesity Epidemic: Role of Fast Food Industry
- Investigation of Homeopathic Medicine Effectiveness
- Risks of Prolonged Screen Time on Youth Eye Health
- Consequences of Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Sports
- Roles of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Mental Health Treatments
Medical Argumentative Essay Topics for College Students
- Justification for Mandatory Vaccinations in Higher Education
- Incorporation of Alternative Medicine in Mainstream Healthcare
- Efficacy of Telemedicine in Today’s Technological Age
- Consideration of Mental Health as Significant as Physical Health
- Role of Antibiotics: Overuse and Its Consequences
- Importance of Stem Cell Research: Ethical Boundaries
- Usage of Animal Testing in Medical Research: Right or Wrong?
- Pros and Cons of Assisted Suicide for Terminal Illnesses
- Impacts of Regular Health Check-Ups on Overall Wellness
- Examination of the Placebo Effect: Psychological or Physiological?
- Discussion on the Right to Health: Universal Healthcare
- Balancing Patient Confidentiality With Public Safety
- Necessity of Sex Education in Schools and Colleges
- Analysis of the Obesity Epidemic: Medical or Societal Issue?
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse: Prevention Strategies and Their Effectiveness
- Ethical Considerations in Organ Transplantation and Donation
- Influence of Diet on Chronic Diseases: Are Doctors Trained Enough?
- Influence of Technological Advancements on Surgical Procedures
- Discrepancies in Health Care Coverage: A Social Injustice
- Roles of Nutrition in Maintaining Mental Health
- Assessment of Artificial Intelligence in Medical Diagnostics
- Cosmetic Surgery: Vanity or Medical Necessity?
- Value of Biomedical Research in Pandemic Preparedness
- Impact of Prenatal Genetic Testing on Parental Decisions
- Comparing Traditional and Modern Approaches to Pain Management
- Childhood Vaccination: Parental Rights vs. Public Health
- Links Between Environmental Pollution and Rising Health Issues
Medical Argumentative Essay Topics for University
- Efficacy of Stem Cell Research in Addressing Degenerative Diseases
- Mandatory Vaccination Policies: Are They Ethical?
- Genetically Modified Organisms: Threat or Salvation to Global Food Security?
- Animal Testing: Ethical Implications vs. Scientific Progress
- Nanotechnology in Medicine: A Leap Forward or a Potential Risk?
- Dissecting the Impact of Antibiotic Overuse on Public Health
- Disparity in Healthcare Services: A Global Analysis
- Telemedicine: Innovation or Threat to Traditional Healthcare Practice?
- Effectiveness of Alternative Medicine: A Comprehensive Review
- Childhood Obesity: Prevention Strategies and Health Implications
- Dangers of Prolonged Screen Time on Children’s Health
- Public Health Policies and Their Impact on Pandemic Management
- The Ethics of Organ Transplantation: Who Should Be Prioritized?
- Mandatory Mental Health Screenings in Schools: Are They Necessary?
- Opioid Crisis: Who Bears the Responsibility?
- Benefits and Risks of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
- Analyzing the Effectiveness of Universal Healthcare Models
- Roles of Diet in Preventing Chronic Diseases
- Impacts of Sleep Deprivation on Physical and Mental Health
- Benefits and Dangers of Medical Marijuana Usage
- Analysis of Drug Pricing: Ethical and Economic Perspectives
- Pros and Cons of Genomic Sequencing in Newborns
- Medical Ethics in the Era of Personalized Medicine
- Addressing Mental Health Stigma in Society
- Link Between Environmental Pollution and Health Disorders
- Nutritional Supplements: Necessity or Marketing Strategy?
- The Implication of Big Data in Healthcare: Privacy vs. Progress
- Comparative Study of Eastern and Western Medical Practices
Medical Argumentative Essay Topics for Master’s & Ph.D.
- Addressing the Ethical Implications of Genetic Engineering in Modern Medicine
- Analyzing the Efficacy of Alternative Medicine: Evidence-Based Discussion
- The Impact of Big Data on Medical Research: Benefits and Drawbacks
- Roles of Telemedicine in Delivering Equitable Healthcare: A Global Perspective
- Mandatory Vaccinations: A Necessary Approach or an Invasion of Personal Liberty?
- Evaluating the Psychological Consequences of Chronic Illness
- Potential Risks and Benefits of Experimental Treatments in Terminal Illnesses
- Medical Artificial Intelligence: Enhancing Patient Care or Dehumanizing the Practice?
- Integrating Mental Health Services into Primary Healthcare: Pros and Cons
- Contemplating the Impact of Physician-Assisted Suicide on Medical Ethics
- Right to Die: Examining the Legal and Ethical Framework of Euthanasia
- Universal Healthcare: A Sustainable Model or an Unrealistic Dream?
- Roles of Big Pharma in Shaping Healthcare Policies: A Critical Examination
- Medical Professional Burnout: Consequences and Possible Solutions
- Personalized Medicine: A Revolution in Patient Care or an Invitation to Discrimination?
- Biomedical Research on Animals: An Ethical Dilemma
- Clinical Trials in Developing Countries: Exploitation or Cooperation?
- Antibiotic Resistance: Analyzing Causes and Formulating Solutions
- Informed Consent in Medical Research: Current Issues and Future Directions
- Health Disparities in Ethnic Minorities: Societal Factors and Solutions
- Examining the Impact of Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing on Public Health
- Stem Cell Research: Balancing Scientific Progress With Ethical Concerns
- Obesity Epidemic: Examining the Role of Fast Food Industry and Government Regulations
- Plastic Surgery for Cosmetic Purposes: A Matter of Choice or Social Pressure?
- Mitigating the Impact of Pandemics: Learning From COVID-19 Experience
- Analyzing the Long-Term Impacts of Electronic Health Records on Patient Privacy
- Use of Predictive Analytics in Healthcare: Opportunities and Risks
- Assessment of the Role of Health Insurance Companies in Medical Decision-Making
- Quality of Life vs. Length of Life: The Ethical Dilemma in Palliative Care
- Discussing the Potential Implications of 3D-Printed Organs in Transplant Medicine
Crossley, S., & Tian, Y. (2022). Argumentation features and essay quality: Exploring relationships and incidence counts. Journal of Writing Research , 14 (1), 1–34. https://doi.org/10.17239/jowr-2022.14.01.01
Ferretti, R. P., & Graham, S. (2019). Argumentative writing: Theory, assessment, and instruction. Reading and Writing , 32 (6), 1345–1357. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11145-019-09950-x
Jenicek, M. (2021). How to think in medicine: Reasoning, decision making, and communication in health sciences and professions . Routledge.
Kleemola, K., Hyytinen, H., & Toom, A. (2022). The challenge of position-taking in novice higher education students’ argumentative writing. Frontiers in Education , 7 , 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2022.885987
Koons, M. (2021). Writing an argumentative essay: The complete introductory guide to writing an argumentative essay for beginner students . Write Illusion LLC.
Rogers, D. (2024). Writing better essays: A rhetorical guide to writing and revision . Equinox Publishing Ltd.
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120+ Controversial Health Care Essay Topics
If you are a nursing student looking for medical argumentative essay topics, or health essay topics in general, you understand how crucial it is to choose controversial subjects you can explore in-depth. Your grade will depend not just on the content, but also how convincingly you support your stance through research and credible sources. That’s why it’s vital to pick topics that fascinate you and make your essay more engaging to write.(120+ Controversial Health Care Essay Topics)
When seeking healthcare or physical health argumentative essay topics for college or high school, consider aspects that provoke debate like alternative medicine instead of mainstream treatments, the role of pharmaceutical companies, or whether routine childhood vaccines should be mandatory. Mental health care accessibility, managing terminal illnesses, public health policies’ effectiveness, or the pros and cons of telemedicine also offer fertile ground.
Another avenue is examining ethical issues within the health field that nurses and doctors face, like prioritizing patient well-being over their wishes, rationing limited resources, confidentiality and privacy concerns, medical practices that conflict with personal beliefs, or the ethics of an organ transplantation committee deciding who will receive an organ.
It’s often wise to choose a topic ideas that connect to your own identity, environment, or experiences. You might explore health disparities among different populations, argue for promoting healthy lifestyles and inclusivity, or discuss impacts of issues like obesity, pollution’s role in disease, or health insurance costs.
For a master’s level paper, you could compare and contrast two healthcare systems, analyze a pandemic’s effects, delve into environmental health factors like air quality, or evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of measures like an assisted suicide mandate.
No matter the topic, select one that resonates with you and suits your needs for this next paper. Avoid overly broad subjects until you have strong writing skills and critical thinking abilities. With laser focus through tools like a mind map, you can craft an argumentative essay that showcases your knowledge in the field of medical research while supporting your arguments using credible sources.
If you are running out of time on your research paper, feel free to request for writing services from our professional writers.
Here are some ideas for your next paper:
What You'll Learn
Strong Medical Argumentative Essay Topics
To help you get started, here are some strong Healthcare argumentative essay topics to consider:
- Is there a nurse shortage in the United States? If so, what are the causes, and what can be done to mitigate it?
- What are the benefits and drawbacks of various types of Nurse staffing models?
- What are the implications of the current opioid epidemic on nurses and patients?
- Are there any ethical considerations that should be taken into account when providing care to terminally ill patients?
- What are the most effective ways to prevent or treat healthcare-acquired infections?
- Should nurses be allowed to prescribe medication? If so, under what circumstances?
- How can nurses best advocate for their patients’ rights?
- What is the role of nurses in disaster relief efforts?
- The high cost of healthcare in the United States.
- The debate over whether or not healthcare is a human right.
- The role of the government in providing healthcare.
- The pros and cons of the Affordable Care Act.
- The impact of healthcare on the economy.
- The problem of access to healthcare in rural areas.
- The debate over single-payer healthcare in the United States.
- The pros and cons of private health insurance.
- The rising cost of prescription drugs in the United States.
- The use of medical marijuana in the United States.
- The debates over end-of-life care and assisted suicide in the United States.
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controversial health research topics to write
There is no shortage of controversial healthcare topics to write about. From the high cost of insurance to the debate over medical marijuana, there are plenty of issues to spark an interesting and thought-provoking argumentative essay.
Here are some Controversial healthcare argumentative essay topics to get you started:
1. Is healthcare a right or a privilege?
2. Should the government do more to regulate the healthcare industry?
3. What is the best way to provide quality healthcare for all?
4. Should medical marijuana be legalized?
5. How can we control the rising cost of healthcare?
6. Should cloning be used for medical research?
7. Is it ethical to use stem cells from embryos?
8. How can we improve access to quality healthcare?
9. What are the implications of the Affordable Care Act?
10. What role should pharmaceutical companies play in healthcare?
11. The problems with the current healthcare system in the United States.
12. The need for reform of the healthcare system in the United States.
Great healthcare argumentative essay topics
Healthcare is a controversial and complex issue, and there are many different angles that you can take when writing an argumentative essay on the topic. Here are some great healthcare argumentative essay topics to get you started:
- Should the government provide free or low-cost healthcare to all citizens?
- Is private healthcare better than public healthcare?
- Should there be more regulation of the healthcare industry?
- Are medical costs too high in the United States?
- Should all Americans be required to have health insurance?
- How can the rising cost of healthcare be controlled?
- What is the best way to provide healthcare to aging Americans?
- What role should the government play in controlling the cost of prescription drugs?
- What impact will the Affordable Care Act have on the healthcare system in the United States?
Hot healthcare argumentative essay topics for college
Healthcare is always a hot-button issue. Whether it’s the Affordable Care Act, single-payer healthcare, or something else entirely, there’s always plenty to debate when it comes to healthcare. Here are some great healthcare argumentative essay topics to help get you started.
1. Is the Affordable Care Act working?
2. Should the government do more to provide healthcare for its citizens?
3. Should there be a single-payer healthcare system in the United States?
4. What are the pros and cons of the Affordable Care Act?
5. What impact has the Affordable Care Act had on healthcare costs in the United States?
6. Is the Affordable Care Act sustainable in the long run?
7. What challenges does the Affordable Care Act face?
8. What are the potential solutions to the problems with the Affordable Care Act?
9. Is single-payer healthcare a good idea?
10. What are the pros and cons of single-payer healthcare?
Related articles: 30+ Medical Argumentative Essay Topics for College Students
Argumentative topics related to health care
Healthcare is always an ever-evolving issue. It’s one of those topics that everyone has an opinion on and is always eager to discuss . That’s why it makes for such a great topic for an argumentative essay . If you’re looking for some fresh ideas, here are some great healthcare argumentative essay topics to get you started.
1. Is our healthcare system in need of a complete overhaul?
3. Are rising healthcare costs making it difficult for people to access care?
4. Is our current healthcare system sustainable in the long term?
5. Should we be doing more to prevent disease and promote wellness?
6. What role should the private sector play in providing healthcare?
7. What can be done to reduce the number of errors in our healthcare system?
8. How can we make sure that everyone has access to quality healthcare?
9. What can be done to improve communication and collaboration between different parts of the healthcare system?
10. How can we make sure that everyone has access to the care they need when they need it?
Argumentative essay topics about health
There are many different stakeholders in the healthcare debate, and each one has their own interests and perspectives. Here are some great healthcare argumentative essay topics to get you started:
1. Who should pay for healthcare?
2. Is healthcare a right or a privilege?
3. What is the role of the government in healthcare?
4. Should there be limits on what treatments insurance companies must cover?
5. How can we improve access to healthcare?
6. What are the most effective methods of preventing disease?
7. How can we improve the quality of care in our hospitals?
8. What are the best ways to control costs in the healthcare system?
9. How can we ensure that everyone has access to basic care?
10. What are the ethical implications of rationing healthcare?
Argumentative health essay topics
- Is healthcare a fundamental human right?
2. Should there be limits on medical research using human subjects?
3. Should marijuana be legalized for medicinal purposes?
4. Should the government do more to regulate the use of prescription drugs?
5. Is alternative medicine effective?
6. Are there benefits to using placebos in medical treatment?
7. Should cosmetic surgery be covered by health insurance?
8. Is it ethical to buy organs on the black market?
9. Are there risks associated with taking herbal supplements?
10. Is it morally wrong to end a pregnancy?
11. Should physician-assisted suicide be legal?
12. Is it ethical to test new medical treatments on animals?
13. Should people with terminal illnesses have the right to end their lives?
14. Is it morally wrong to sell organs for transplantation?
15. Are there benefits to using stem cells from embryos in medical research?
16. Is it ethical to use human beings in medical experiments?
17. Should the government do more to fund medical research into cancer treatments?
18. Are there risks associated with genetic engineering of humans?
19. Is it ethical to clones humans for the purpose
Argumentative essays on mental health
- Should there be more focus on mental health in schools?
- Are our current treatments for mental illness effective?
- Are mental health disorders more common now than they were in the past?
- How does social media impact mental health?
- How does trauma impact mental health?
- What are the most effective treatments for PTSD?
- Is therapy an effective treatment for mental illness?
- What causes mental illness?
- How can we destigmatize mental illness?
- How can we better support those with mental illness?
- Should insurance companies cover mental health treatments?
- What are the most effective treatments for depression?
- Should medication be used to treat mental illness?
- What are the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders?
- What are the most effective treatments for OCD?
- What are the most effective treatments for eating disorders?
- What are the most effective treatments for bipolar disorder?
- How can we better support caregivers of those with mental illness?
- What role does stigma play in mental illness?
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Explore the Best Medical and Health Research Topics Ideas
Table of contents
- 1 How to Choose Medical Research Paper Topics
- 2 New Medical Research Paper Topics
- 3 Medical Research Topics for College Students
- 4 Controversial Medical Topics for Research Paper
- 5 Health Research Topics
- 6 Medicine Research Topics
- 7 Healthcare Research Topics
- 8 Public Health Research Topics
- 9 Mental Health Research Paper Topics
- 10 Anatomy Research Topics
- 11 Biomedical Research Topics
- 12 Bioethics Research Topics
- 13 Cancer Research Topics
- 14 Clinical Research Topics
- 15 Critical Care Research Topics
- 16 Pediatric Research Topics
- 17 Dental Research Topics Ideas
- 18 Dermatology Research Topics
- 19 Primary Care Research Topics
- 20 Pharmaceutical Research Topics
- 21 Medical Anthropology Research Topics
- 22 Paramedic Research Paper Topics
- 23 Surgery Research Topics
- 24 Radiology Research Paper Topics
- 25 Anatomy and Physiology Research Paper Topics
- 26 Healthcare Management Research Paper Topics
- 27 Medical Ethics Research Paper Topics
- 28 Environmental Health and Pollution Research Paper Topics
- 29 Conclusion
Writing an original and compelling research paper is a daunting task in such a complex and broad field as medicine. Each student decides where his interests lie, from investigating public care concerns to cancer treatment studies. We aim to help students find new angles to study and focus on relevant topics. With our resources, you can write an engaging and rigorous paper.
How to Choose Medical Research Paper Topics
Choosing good research paper topics is often more challenging than the writing process itself. You need to select a captivating subject matter that will grab the reader’s attention, showcase your knowledge of a specific field, help you progress in your studies, and perhaps even inspire future research.
To accomplish that, you need to start with brainstorming, followed by thorough research. Here are some great tips to follow:
- Pick an interesting topic – The key is to pick something that you find interesting, and yet make sure it’s not too general or too narrow. It should allow you to delve deep into the subject matter and show that you’re a professional who is ready to take on a challenge when it comes to your chosen field of medicine.
- Narrow down your focus – Once you have a list of potential topics, sift through recent medical research papers to get up-to-date with the latest trends, developments, and issues in medicine and healthcare. Check out textbooks, news articles, and other relevant sources for more information related to your potential topics. If a particular condition or disease interests you (perhaps something that drew you to a career in medicine), there’s your cue for narrowing down your topic.
- Pinpoint the “why,” “how,” and “what” – Whether you are looking into nutrition research paper topics , controversial medical topics, nursing research topics, or anything in-between, ask yourself why each of them is important. How could they contribute to the available medical studies, if any? What new information could they bring to improve the future of medicine? Asking these questions will help you pick the right medical research paper topic that suits you and helps you move forward and reach your aspirations.
To help you on that quest, we’ve compiled a list of topics that you could use or that might inspire you to come up with something unique. Let’s dive in.
New Medical Research Paper Topics
Are you interested in the newest and most interesting developments in medicine? We put hours of effort into identifying the current trends in health research so we could provide you with these examples of topics. Whether you hire a research paper writing service for students or write a paper by yourself, you need an appealing topic to focus on.
- Epidemics versus pandemics
- Child health care
- Medical humanitarian missions in the developing world
- Effectiveness of mobile health clinics in rural Africa
- Homeopathic medicines – the placebo effect
- Comparative study of the efficacy of homeopathic treatments and conventional medicine in managing chronic pain
- Virus infections – causes and treatment
- Trends in COVID-19 vaccine uptake
- Advancements in the treatment of influenza
- Is medical research on animals ethical
- Vaccination – dangers versus benefits
- Artificial tissues and organs
- Rare genetic diseases
- Brain injuries
- Long-Term Effects of COVID-19
- Social behavior shifts due to COVID-19
Medical Research Topics for College Students
You don’t know where to start with your medical research paper? There are so many things you could write about that the greatest challenge is to narrow them down. This is why we decided to help.
- Antibiotics treatments
- Efficacy of mRNA vaccines against viral diseases
- Viability and function of 3D printed tissues
- Chronic diseases
- Palliative treatment
- Battling Alzheimer’s disease
- How modern lifestyle affects public health
- Professional diseases
- Sleep disorders
- Changes in physical and mental health due to aging
- Eating disorders
- Terminal diseases
Controversial Medical Topics for Research Paper
In healthcare, new discoveries can change people’s lives in the blink of an eye. This is also the reason why there are so many controversial topics in medicine, which involve anything from religion to ethics or social responsibility. Read on to discover our top controversial research topics.
- Ethical debates on artificial tissue engineering
- Public opinions on vaccination safety
- Implementing food standards
- Telehealth’s Role in Chronic Illness Management
- Gluten allergy
- Assisted suicide for terminal patients
- Testing vaccines on animals – ethical concerns
- Moral responsibilities regarding cloning
- Marijuana legalization for medical purposes
- Abortion – medical approaches
- Vegan diets – benefits and dangers
- Increased life expectancy: a burden on the healthcare system?
- Circumcision effects
Health Research Topics
Students conducting health research struggle with finding good ideas related to their medical interests. If you want to write interesting college papers, you can select a good topic for our list.
- Impact of location, ethnicity, or age on vaccination rates
- Uses of biomaterials in vaccination technology
- Deafness: communication disorders
- Household air pollution
- Diabetes – a public danger
- Coronaviruses
- Oral health assessment
- Tobacco and alcohol control
- Diseases caused by lack of physical exercise
- How urban pollution affects respiratory diseases
- Healthy diets
Medicine Research Topics
Regardless of the requirements in your research assignment, you can write about something that is both engaging and useful in your future career. Choose a topic from below.
- Causes for the increasing cancer cases
- Insulin resistance
- How terrorism affects mental health
- AIDS/HIV – latest developments
- Treating pregnant women versus non-pregnant women
- Latest innovations in medical instruments
- Genetic engineering
- Successful treatment of mental diseases
- Is autism a disease
- Natural coma versus artificial coma
- Treatments for sleep disorders and their effectiveness
- Role of melatonin supplements in sleep quality
Healthcare Research Topics
Healthcare research includes political and social aspects, besides medical. For college students who want to explore how medicine is affected by society’s values or principles, we provide examples of topics for papers. Select yours from the list below.
- Government investment in healthcare services in the EU versus the USA
- Inequalities in healthcare assistance and services
- Electronic health records systems – pros and cons
- Can asylums treat mental issues
- Health care for prison inmates
- Equipment for improving the treatment of AIDS
- Correlation between economic development and health care services across countries
- Impact of smoking on organs
- Heart attacks – causes and effects
- Breast cancer – recent developments
- Materials used in artificial tissue and their impacts
Public Health Research Topics
For current examples of public health topics, browse our list. We provide only original, researchable examples for which you can easily find supporting data and evidence.
- Public versus private hospitals
- Health Disparities in Diabetes Management Across Different Socioeconomic Groups
- Health care professionals – management principles
- Surgery failures – who is responsible
- What legal responsibilities has the hospital administration
- Patient service quality in public versus private hospitals
- What benefits do national health care systems have
- Estimated costs of cancer treatments
- Public health in developing countries
- Banning tobacco ads – importance for public health
- Government solutions to the anti-vaccine’s movement
- How the COVID-19 pandemic has changed public health regulations
Mental Health Research Paper Topics
Mental health is one of the most complex areas of medicine, where things are never as clear as with other medical issues. This increases the research potential of the field with plenty of topics left for debate.
- Mental Health Impact of Social Media on American Teenagers
- Causes of anxiety disorders
- Bulimia versus anorexia
- Childhood trauma
- Mental health public policies
- Impact of Lifestyle Factors on the Progression of Dementia in the Elderly Population
- Postpartum Depression
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Stress and its effects on sleep quality
- Insomnia and its relation to mental health disorders
Anatomy Research Topics
Anatomy covers everything about the human body and how it works. If you find that intriguing and want to pay for medical research paper, start by selecting a topic.
- Causes and treatments of virus infections
- Chemotherapy: how it affects the body
- Thyroid glands – functions in the body
- Human endocrine system
- Preventative Measures and Treatments for Common Liver Diseases
- Heart diseases
- How does the human muscular system develop
- Lymphatic system – importance
- Investigating genetic diseases
- Digestive system
- Role of the Spleen in the Human Immune System and Related Disorders
Biomedical Research Topics
Biology and medicine often work together. For the newest changes in the biomedical field, check our topics.
- Comparative Efficacy of Alternative Medicine Practices in Chronic Pain Management
- Alzheimer’s disease – paths for treatment
- Vaccines and drug development in the treatment of Ebola
- Antibiotic resistance
- Biological effects caused by aging
- Air pollution effects on health
- Infectious disease past versus present
- Regenerative medicine
- Biomedical diagnostics
- Biomedical technology
- Advanced biomaterials for vaccine delivery
Bioethics Research Topics
A controversial area of medicine, bioethics is where you get the chance to add personal input to a research topic and come up with new insights. You could consider these subjects.
- Organ donation
- Alternative or complementary medicine
- Assisted suicide or the right to die
- Artificial insemination or surrogacy
- Chemical and biological warfare
- Contraception
- Environmental bioethics
- In Vitro Fertilization
- Ethical considerations in medical research on animals
Cancer Research Topics
Are you writing a paper related to cancer causes, diagnosis, treatment or effects? Look below for a hot topic that it’s easy to research and important for medical advance.
- The ability of immune system cells to fight cancer
- Computational oncology
- Metastasis affected by drug resistance
- Stem cells – applications for cancer treatment
- Tumor microenvironment
- Obesity and age in cancer occurrence
- Early cancer detection – benefits
- Artificial intelligence predicting cancer
- Hematologic malignancies
- Pathogen-related cancers
- Impact of COVID-19 on cancer treatment studies
Clinical Research Topics
Learn more about clinical medicine by conducting more in-depth research. We prepared for you a list of relevant issues to touch upon.
- Ethical concerns regarding research on human subjects
- Subject recruitment
- Budget preparation
- Human subject protection
- Clinical trials – financial support
- Clinical practices for health professionals
- Using vulnerable populations in clinical research
- Quality assurance in clinical research
- Academic clinical trials versus clinical trials units
- Data collection and management
- Evolution of clinical symptoms in COVID-19 patients
Critical Care Research Topics
Critical care is a key area in medical studies. Explore these topics in your research paper to gain more valuable knowledge in this field. You can also get in contact with nursing research paper writers .
- Obesity and asthma – clinical manifestations
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Rhythm analysis for cardiac arrest
- Traumatic brain injury – fluid resuscitation
- Hydrocortisone for multiple trauma patients
- Care and nutrition for critically ill adults
- Diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis
- Coma and sedation scales
- Artificial airways suctioning
- Arterial puncture and arterial line
- Long-term cardiac and respiratory effects of COVID-19
Pediatric Research Topics
Any topic that refers to health care for children, pregnant women, mothers, and adolescents goes under pediatric care.
- Early Intervention Methods for Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Preventive healthcare strategies for children
- Impact of early childhood nutrition on long-term health
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Congenital heart disease in newborns
- Adolescent medicine
- Neonatal medicine
- Rare diseases in children and teenagers
- Obesity and weight fluctuations
- Behavioral sleep problems in children
- Children with anemia
- Child healthcare enhancements and innovations
Dental Research Topics Ideas
Choose a topic on oral health or dental care from this list of the most interesting topics in the field.
- How smoking affects oral health
- Children’s risk for dental caries
- Causes of Dental Anxiety and Effective Interventions for Reducing Fear in Patients
- Types of dental materials – new advances
- Bad breath bacteria
- How diabetes affects oral health
- Oral cancer
- Dental pain – types, causes
- Dental implants
- Oral health-related quality of life
- Advancements in treatments for virus infections
Dermatology Research Topics
Find the best research topic for your dermatology paper among our examples.
- Atopic dermatitis
- Contact dermatitis
- Epidemiology behind uncommon skin disorders
- Cutaneous aging
- Risk factors of melanoma skin cancer
- Acne versus rosacea
- Genetic testing for skin conditions
- Effects of cosmetic agents on skin health
- Improving skin barrier with pharmaceutical agents
- Skin manifestations of autoimmune disorders
- Study of virus effects on skin health
Primary Care Research Topics
Write a primary care paper that can demonstrate your research skills and interest in powerful scientific findings.
- Primary care for vulnerable/uninsured populations
- Interpersonal continuity in care treatment
- How primary care contributes to health systems
- Primary care delivery models
- Developments in family medicine
- Occupational/environmental health
- Pharmacotherapy approaches
- Formal allergy testing
- Oral contraception side effects
- Dietary or behavioral interventions for obesity management
Pharmaceutical Research Topics
Pharma students who need paper topics can use one from our list. We include all things related to pharmacy life.
- Drugs that can treat cancer
- Drug excretion
- Elimination rate constant
- Inflammatory stress drug treatment
- Aspirin poising
- Ibuprofen – dangers versus benefits
- Toxicodynamics
- Opioid use disorder
- Pharmacotherapy for schizophrenia
- Ketamine in depression treatment
Medical Anthropology Research Topics
Medical anthropology unites different areas of human knowledge. Find powerful ideas for a paper below.
- Cultural contexts regarding reproductive health
- Women sexuality
- Anthropological aspects of health care
- Contributions of social sciences to public health
- Euthanasia and medical ethics across cultures
- Health-related behavior in adults across cultures
- Transcultural nursing
- Forensic psychiatry
- Symptoms of Celiac Disease – a disease with no symptoms
- Nursing ethics
Paramedic Research Paper Topics
Topics for paramedic research must be based on evidence, data, statistics, or practical experience. Just like ours.
- Trends and statistics in EMS
- Disaster medicine
- Mass casualties
- Pandemics and epidemics
- Infection control
- Basic versus advanced life support
- Scene safety in EMS
- Shock management
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Challenges in medical humanitarian missions during pandemics
Surgery Research Topics
Discover all the intricacies of surgeries that save lives by writing about our topics.
- Medical malpractice and legal issues
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
- Early Detection and Management Strategies for Sepsis in Hospital Settings
- Pain management
- Perioperative nursing
- Wound management
- Colorectal cancer surgery
- Breast cancer surgery
- Minimally invasive surgeries
- Vascular disease
- Changes in surgical practices during pandemics
Radiology Research Paper Topics
Find a radiology topic related to your academic interests to write a successful paper.
- Using MRI to diagnose hepatic focal lesions
- Multidetector computer tomography
- Ultrasound elastography in breast cancer
- Assessing traumatic spinal cord injuries with MRI diffusion tensor imaging
- Sonographic imaging to detect male infertility
- Role of tomography in diagnosing cancer
- Brain tumor surgery with magnetic resonance imaging
- Bacterial meningitis imaging
- Advanced imaging techniques for virus infection detection
Anatomy and Physiology Research Paper Topics
Any ideas for a medical research paper? We have included the most important topics for an anatomy and physiology paper.
- What role has the endocrine system
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Environmental factors that affect development of human muscular system
- What role has the lymphatic system
- An investigation of genetic diseases
- Explaining the aging process
- The digestive tract
- Effects of stress on cells and muscles
- Evolution of the human nervous system
- What role has the cardiovascular system
- Impact of viruses on respiratory health in urban settings
Healthcare Management Research Paper Topics
There are numerous topics you could write about when it comes to healthcare management. There’s a wide range of options to pick, from infrastructure, staff, and financial management to HR and patient management. Here are some of the top healthcare management research paper options.
Medical Ethics Research Paper Topics
Medical ethics is a field that opens the door to numerous compelling topics for research papers. Here are some of the most appealing ones you could tackle.
- Clinical research on humans
- Vaccines and immunization
- Religious beliefs in healthcare
- Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide
- Ethical issues across cultures
- Amniocentesis or prenatal birth defect testing
- Medical malpractice and going back to work
- Racial and ethnic preferences and perceptions in organ donations
- Racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare
- Ethical concerns of AI in healthcare
- Debates on animal ethics in medical research
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Environmental Health and Pollution Research Paper Topics
- Environmental Pollutants and Respiratory Health in Urban Areas of the USA
- How environmental changes affect human health
- Long-Term Impact of PM2.5 Exposure on Lung, Heart, and Brain Function
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Deep learning techniques and whole-genome sequencing promise to increase well-being but also risk perpetuating psychological essentialism, potentially justifying inequality. In this Comment, we offer two much-needed systematic frameworks for clinicians and researchers to avoid essentialist inferences and unfair treatment: (1) a data-driven method for detecting causal fairness in precision health and (2) an ethical framework for determining when it is morally permissible to use racial classifications in population health research.
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Claims of AI outperforming medical practitioners are under scrutiny, as the evidence supporting many of these claims is not convincing or transparently reported. These claims often lack specificity, contextualization, and empirical grounding. In this comment, we offer constructive ethical guidance that can benefit authors, journal editors, and peer reviewers when reporting and evaluating findings in studies comparing AI to physician performance. The guidance provided here forms an essential addition to current reporting guidelines for healthcare studies using machine learning.
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- Volume 46, Issue 7
- COVID-19 current controversies
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- Jennifer Blumenthal-Barby
- Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy , Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX 77030 , USA
- Correspondence to Dr Jennifer Blumenthal-Barby, Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Jennifer.blumenthal-barby{at}bcm.edu
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This July 2020 issue of JME introduces a new section, “COVID-19 Current Controversies,” which will be a recurring section in each issue for the foreseeable future. This issue reflects on some of the most pressing ethical issues that have arisen roughly 6 months into the pandemic.
Kathleen Liddell and colleagues examine important legal considerations at play in ventilator allocation decisions raised by the pandemic. 1 They point out that ethics-based triage protocols that argue from the principle of “saving the most lives” by withholding or withdrawing ventilators from certain patients could violate the law (U.K. and elsewhere). Patients’ legal rights are not suspended during this crisis, they remind us. The mere action of ventilator removal (extubation and proning) may constitute battery without consent, for example. Moreover, there may be problems with “evidentiary weakness” in some of the prognostic models used to inform such decisions. And, decisions that are inconsistent, subjective, and/or discriminatory may be deemed illegal. Those developing policies need to consider and consult various areas of law including criminal law (eg, murder, battery, negligence, manslaughter), human rights law, civil law (eg, battery, negligence, duty of care, consent), public and administrative law (eg, discrimination, case law), law on decision-making for incapacitated adults, professional regulations, and derogations from current law (eg, immunities and indemnities). Liddell et al offer 10 concrete, legally informed recommendations for those developing triage-policies to consider.
Michael Parker and colleagues take on the issue of contact tracing using mobile apps and point out that such apps can enable people to emerge more safely from lockdowns, which provides a strong autonomy-based argument in favour of them even if they were to constitute a privacy infringement. 2 They argue that the use of such apps should be voluntary rather than compulsory and note that, combined with other measures, these apps can still make an important impact even if uptake is below 50%. They point out, however, that there are good reasons to think uptake would be higher given the promise for potential personal benefits. Finally, they advise that oversight bodies ought to be established and that data ought to be deleted post-pandemic.
Udo Schuklenk also reflects on what healthcare professionals owe “us” during the pandemic and explains why their duty to treat is contingent on proper personal protective equipment (which many governments have deliberately failed to provide). 3 Schuklenk draws an analogy to widely accepted “duty to treat” arguments during the early days of HIV and points out that they were predicated on assumptions of proper protective equipment and universal precautions training.
Michael Dunn and colleagues examine duty to provide care as well in their piece on the ethics of allocating staff to high-risk clinical roles. 4 Dunn et al emphasise process-based considerations (eg, size of workforce, specificity and acuity of patient needs) to inform this question as well as examine various theoretical models including a voluntary one, lottery, and equal assignment of risk (eg, rotation of high-risk work). Dunn et al argue that whatever model is adopted, high-risk workers are owed acknowledgement (eg, professional, financial), sufficient preparation and training, and possibly priority for resources if they become sick.
Amy Solnica and colleagues offer a Jewish ethical perspective on the issue of the risks to healthcare workers. Solnica and colleagues conclude that Jewish law and professional responsibilities obligate physicians to care for all patients, including those with COVID, but that society owes workers care and risk-minimization efforts. 5
Solnica and colleagues argue that various strains of Jewish thinking are consistent with a utilitarian approach to triage (maximising potential life-saving), but there is disagreement about how to handle cases where it is impossible to triage based solely on utilitarian considerations. 6 Some would say that humans must remove themselves (eg, allow matter to chance with a lottery) and others would say humans can have a voice and a role in these decisions. However, all agree that once treatment with life-saving equipment has been initiated, it should not be removed to treat another patient.
Jordan Parsons and Harleen Kaur Johal ask whether COVID might cloud decision making for the cognitively impaired. 7 They raise various concerns, including that capacity assessments and decision making regarding incapacitated patients’ “best interests” might be compromised due to stressed and rushed situations, short staffing and junior staff with less training, virtual interactions, and factors that make communication difficult such as the presence of personal protective equipment and ventilators. They also warn that decision makers for patients with a cognitive impairment ought to be especially conscious of any resource allocation influences during the pandemic.
Two articles in this issue ask what lessons countries can learn from each other. Vera Lucia Raposo examines China’s standard of care for COVID-19 (eg, mass and intense lockdown, high-tech tracking of movement) and whether it can or should be implemented in Europe. 8 In short, the answer is “no” because of the legal and regulatory framework of the European Union (EU) as a whole. Additional reasons include technological limitations and differing views on human rights. Benjamin Herreros and colleagues consider triage policies during the COVID-19 epidemic in Spain and their “better and worse” ethical arguments. 9 They point out that “controversial, non-clinical criteria have also been defended by Spanish scientific societies and public institutions, including setting an age cut-off value for unilaterally withholding ALS, using ‘social utility’ criteria, prioritising healthcare professionals or using ‘first come, first served’ policies.” They contrast this with accepted triage protocols in organ transplantation and argue that the above-mentioned considerations are “bad criteria”. This paper is a great review and resource as well as a window into the early days of the pandemic in Spain and how ethicists responded.
Finally, two articles take up issues in COVID paediatric ethics and COVID research ethics respectively. Emily Barsky and Sadath Sayeed raise the COVID and non-COVID issue of parental manual (temporary, hand-bagged) ventilation in resource-limited settings and develop an algorithmic approach to ethically permissible parental participation. 10 Joshua Teperowski Monrad examines ethical considerations for pandemic vaccine trials. 11 Specifically, the ethics of “secondary vaccine trials”—whether and how it is ethical to continue to test novel vaccines in the midst of a pandemic once one has been found to be safe and effective. There are good reasons to think it is not ethical, including that it involves withholding a beneficial intervention and that it might worsen control of the pandemic. That having been said, there may be situations where secondary vaccine trials during a pandemic are permissible. These include whether the initial vaccine only offers immunity to some populations but not others (though this depends on percentages—consider effective for 98% vs 75%), the length of immunity offered by the initial vaccine (eg, lifetime vs short), likelihood of reduced adverse immunological responses and symptoms by the secondary vaccine, and production/administration considerations (eg, not requiring cold storage) as well as economic ones. The issue of secondary vaccine research will be a pressing issue in the months to come (hopefully), and Monrad stresses that his is not a finalised account.
Outside of the COVID realm, this issue also contains an original research article on the limits of trust in medical AI. Joshua James Hatherley argues that there is merit to concerns about the effects of AI technology on relationships of trust in clinical practice given that by their nature, AI systems are capable of reliability but not trustworthiness. 12
- Liddell K ,
- Skopek JM ,
- Palmer S , et al
- Parker MJ ,
- Abeler-Dörner L , et al
- Schuklenk U
- Sheehan M ,
- Hordern J , et al
- Solnica A ,
- Jotkowitz A
- Parsons JA ,
- Herreros B ,
- Real de Asua D
- Hatherley JJ
Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Competing interests None declared.
Patient consent for publication Not required.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; internally peer reviewed.
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MARC TUNZI, MD, MA, Natividad Family Medicine Residency, Salinas, California; University of California, San Francisco, California
WILLIAM VENTRES, MD, MA, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
PHILIP G. DAY, PhD, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
DAVID J. SATIN, MD, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Related editorial: Ethics, Education, and American Family Physician
Am Fam Physician. 2022;106(1):12-13
Author disclosure: No relevant financial relationships.
What are the ethical responsibilities for clinical journals publishing articles on controversial topics? Does controversy matter if the content is evidence based and the article is well written? Must all such articles be accompanied by an editorial that acknowledges opposing perspectives on a topic?
Family medicine is as diverse as the doctors who practice it and the communities we serve. Family physicians comprise a broad spectrum of age, gender, race and ethnicity, religious and spiritual beliefs, and political and philosophical ideologies who contribute an array of skill sets and styles to practice medicine in all locations. Clinically, we vary with respect to whether we care mostly for adults or also include children and adolescents; perform hospital work and maternity care or ambulatory care alone; provide palliative and end-of-life care; or provide reproductive health care. Geographically, our practices range from urban inner city to rural and frontier. Institutionally, we vary from single-physician to large-group offices in private, managed care, safety net, hospital, and academic settings.
Family physicians have always adapted our practices to meet the needs of our individual patients and our communities. Indeed, a key academic tenet of family medicine is the biopsychosocial model: Family physicians intervene for our patients holistically, in a myriad of ways, however we are best able to serve them. 1 Practically, we espouse the principles of relationship-based, comprehensive, continuous, contextual, coordinated, community-focused, patient-centered care. 2 , 3 These principles, in turn, help us address the four goals of medicine: treating illness, preventing disease, ameliorating pain and suffering, and prolonging a good life when possible and promoting a good death when not. 4
This broad, generalist context produces a distinctly family medicine ethos—a moral orientation and habit of practice—that focuses our efforts on one unifying question: What, all things considered, should happen in this specific health situation? Family physicians are charged to answer this question in light of the previously mentioned principles—with a healthy sense of ethical humility about our knowledge, skills, and attitudes—and mindful of our own and our patients’ and communities’ values and beliefs. 5
Although individual family physicians must follow their conscience regarding their own practice of family medicine, we should remain open to education about topics that might be considered controversial if the education is necessary to ensure that our patients receive the care they need. As family medicine and the general standard of health care continue to evolve, it is our professional duty to stay informed about developments that fit within our scope and competencies. These developments include medical knowledge and clinical care as well as practice-based learning, interpersonal and communication skills, systems-based practice, and professionalism.
American Family Physician ( AFP ), the premier evidence-based, educational, family medicine journal in the United States, is a leader in these efforts. Indeed, its mission and goals explicitly address this duty. 6
Controversial Topics
Clinical topics commonly considered controversial include abortion and other aspects of reproductive health; end-of-life and palliative care matters, including physician-assisted dying; LGBTQIA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer [or questioning], intersex, asexual) care; elements of addiction medicine and chronic pain management; and various topics in complementary and alternative medicine.
Controversial community health topics include air, water, and food pollution; climate change; health equity, which includes addressing issues of health literacy, racism, immigration policy, and other social determinants of health; the aging physician and other issues of physician competency; vaccine mandates; youth sport policies; tobacco, alcohol, and substance use; and firearm safety and gun violence prevention.
When family physicians apply these concepts in practice, we are caring for real people with genuine needs. When we act on and advocate for community health issues, our neighbors pay attention, and our communities benefit. Not all of us want to participate in these pursuits—just as not all of us practice hospital medicine and maternity care—but all these matters fall within family medicine’s scope and competencies. For family physicians specifically, the question remains: What, all things considered, should I do in relation to these clinical activities and community health issues?
Just as with any other article in AFP , the content of articles about controversial topics must be evidence based; focus on family medicine; state why the education is important in advancing individual and community health care; be neutral and objective in tone; and be devoid of overt commercial, religious, political, or philosophical rhetoric. We appreciate that authors are individuals with their own experiences and that, strictly speaking, there is no philosophical “view from nowhere.” 7 Authors should address the values and principles of family medicine and speak to practicing family physicians. When applicable, authors should discuss caveats and weaknesses of their work, acknowledging the diversity of opinion on the topic at hand.
Some readers might wonder whether AFP is obligated to devote equal space to all sides of a controversial topic. The simple answer is no. Pieces published in AFP should address educationally important topics germane to the ongoing practice of family medicine in an evidence-based manner. Significant diversity of practice and opinion should be addressed, but not all sides of a given topic are relevant to the evolution of family medicine’s standard of care.
Active critical appraisal of the literature should occur when we read any medical journal. Readers may disagree with the educational importance, the relevance to family medicine, or the quality of evidence for a given topic. Such disagreement is the hallmark of any healthy profession, and addressing it is one of the best ways to push ourselves, together, to evolve. One way to do this is by conversing with colleagues, which can be a source of relief but also a source of new perspectives. Engaging patients and communities in discussions is another way to gain insight into alternative perspectives. Other ways include commenting on an article or writing a letter to the journal to share feedback.
As physicians dedicated to the care of our patients and communities, embracing the biopsychosocial model of care and practicing the principles of family medicine in our daily work, family physicians have much more in common than we have in difference. Whatever our disagreements are, we must try to communicate them with each other, respectfully. We do not need to be united on everything, but we should not let our differences of opinion divide us. Indeed, where we do have differences, we should welcome professional dialogue and discussion. Especially when it comes to education, our duty is to envision, encounter, and engage—controversy or not.
Editor's Note: If you would like to provide feedback about AFP 's appearance or editorial content (e.g., articles, patient information handouts, other features), contact Matthew Neff, managing editor of AFP ( [email protected] ). If you would like to write a letter to the editor, follow the instruction in the Letters to the Editor section of AFP 's Authors' Guide on the AFP website ( https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/authors.html ).—Sumi M. Sexton, editor-in-chief
Borrell-Carrió F, Suchman AL, Epstein RM. The biopsychosocial model 25 years later: principles, practice, and scientific inquiry. Ann Fam Med. 2004;2(6):576-582.
Saultz JW. Textbook of Family Medicine: Defining and Examining the Discipline . McGraw-Hill; 2000.
Freeman TR. McWhinney's Textbook of Family Medicine . 4th ed. Oxford University Press; 2016.
Callahan D. The goals of medicine. Setting new priorities. Hastings Cent Rep. 1996;26(6):S1-S27.
Tunzi M, Ventres W. Family medicine ethics: an integrative approach. Fam Med. 2018;50(8):583-588.
American Family Physician . About AFP . Accessed May 16, 2022. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/about.html
Nagel T. The View From Nowhere . Oxford University Press; 1986.
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This July 2020 issue of JME introduces a new section, “COVID-19 Current Controversies,” which will be a recurring section in each issue for the foreseeable future. This issue reflects on some of the most pressing ethical issues that have arisen roughly 6 months into the pandemic.
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Clinical topics commonly considered controversial include abortion and other aspects of reproductive health; end-of-life and palliative care matters, including physician-assisted dying; LGBTQIA...