Blog Post 2 - Review of Sudbo, Jon

Ethics can be understood as a branch of philosophy that deals with the systematization, definition and recommendation of concepts of wrong and right that guide the human behavior to a better life in society. In general terms, if a person believes that a specific behavior is morally wrong, then it would be irrational for that person to do it. Ethic principles dictates our perception of moral that dictates how we act and live in society.

Jon Sudbo
Source: https://alchetron.com/Jon-Sudb%C3%B8

This week we have been reflecting upon ethics in research and therefore, I reviewed the Office of Research Integrity (“ORI”) of the US Department of Health and Human Services case against Jon Sudbo, D.D.S., Norwegian Radium Hospital. Jon Sudbo was a Norwegian dentist, physician and former medical researcher that was involved in a scientific fraud in 2006. 

In summary, Sudbo was found guilty of falsifying and fabricating research data in the field of oncology that allowed him to publish in several well known medical journals at the time. Sudbo plead guilty of fabricating and/or falsifying data for only three publications. However, the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) and its Investigation Commission, concluded at least twelve other publications could not be considered valid by the same reasons. 

As this scandal came to light, in 2006 Sudbo was forced to resign his positions as associate professor at University of Oslo and Consultant oncologist at the Radium Hospital in Oslo. Additionally, his licenses to practice dentistry and medicine were revoked in the same year. Lastly, an investigation conducted by the University of Oslo found that Sudbo's doctoral dissertation was also based on fraudulent data and therefore, his doctorate in medicine was revoked by the institution in 2006. According to Wikipedia, Jon Sudbo is currently working as an assistant dentist in Seljord, Telemark.

Jon Sudbo's actions changed his career path forever. He went from a brilliant scientist to a well-known fraud with no credibility in the research world. Google can prove this to you! Just google his name. 

Even though Sudbo had several punishments he was not given any jail time. His research was in the oncology field and I feel that fake outcomes in this field can dangerously harm people's lives and even cause death. Therefore , why was he not considered a criminal? Do you believe he should be treated as a criminal?  Even though he does not conduct any type of research nowadays, he still allowed to work as an assistant in the field. Do you believe he should be allowed to practice within the field? Do you feel his punishments were adequate to his actions? Let me know in the comments! 

If you are interested in reading Jon Sudbo's case or other cases of research misconduct, access the Office of Research Integrity website.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethics
https://ori.hhs.gov/case-summary-sudbo-jon
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Sudb%C3%B8

Blog Post 1: Mission Statements

For this assignment I decided to analyze two mission statements from Colleges in US: One located in Puerto Rico and the other located in US Mainland. Both universities are research type of college. 

Puerto Rico is an American territory located in the Caribbean. Because of its history, Puerto Rico has one of the richest cultural, historical and artistic heritage of all periods. Without doubts, Puerto Rican population and territory have several unique characteristics that distinguish their culture from any other in the American territory. By analyzing the mission statement from the best college in the island (University of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez - UPRM), it is impressive how culture leads its values and actions. Even though Puerto Rican population are born as American citizens, they consider the island as a country, and therefore they are very proud and committed to the development of their nation. This is visible in the UPRM Mission Statement that says: Our alumni should have the necessary skills and knowledge to participate effectively in the search for solutions to the problems facing us, to promote the enrichment of the arts and culture (...) They should be able to contribute in an efficient manner to the cultural, social, and economic development of the Puerto Rican and international community.

On the other side, Virginia Tech (VT)  is a college located in US Mainland in the State of Viginia. Even though VT mission statement talks about serving  the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world community, culture is not the center of its mission and they focus more on discovery and dissemination of new knowledge. 

Below, you can read in full the mission statement of both colleges:

University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

Within the philosophical framework established by the University of Puerto Rico Act, the Mayagüez campus directs its efforts towards the development of educated, cultured citizens, capable of critical thinking, and professionally qualified in the fields of agricultural, social, and natural sciences, engineering, humanities and business administration. They should be able to contribute in an efficient manner to the cultural, social, and economic development of the Puerto Rican and international community.

This process is aimed at endowing our alumni with a strong technical and professional background and to instill a strong commitment to Puerto Rico and our hemisphere. Our alumni should have the necessary skills and knowledge to participate effectively in the search for solutions to the problems facing us, to promote the enrichment of the arts and culture, the development and transfer of technology as well as to uphold the essential attitudes and values of a democratic society.

Virginia Tech

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) is a public land-grant university serving the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world community. The discovery and dissemination of new knowledge are central to its mission. Through its focus on teaching and learning, research and discovery, and outreach and engagement, the university creates, conveys, and applies knowledge to expand personal growth and opportunity, advance social and community development, foster economic competitiveness, and improve the quality of life.