Informed Consent and Tissue Banking: Why We Need to Get This Right (Individual)

Dating from antiquity during Greek and Roman times up to 19th-century medical education in both Europe and the United States, informed consent for whole-body appropriation was not always the standard. Grave robbers often provided the specimens; despite utilizing the tissue for educational purposes in art and medicine, consent was not considered. This presentation will document those historical practices and then trace the history of unconsented tissue procurement to current times where violations have occurred for more nefarious reasons. By dissecting the jaded side of history, this presentation will elucidate modern tissue banks' purpose and responsibility for informed consent. In very practical terms, the challenges encountered and the proper manner to obtain informed consent will be reviewed, with a fundamental discussion on why pursuing this practice correctly is essential.

Bruce A Rosenfeld, MD, FACS

Dr. Bruce Rosenfeld is currently the Medical Director for LifeNet Health. He attended Northwestern University as an undergraduate and received his MD from the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, VA (Virginia Commonwealth University). Following two years of general surgery, he completed his urology training at SUNY Buffalo and is a diplomate of the American Board of Urology and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He enjoys teaching at all levels and has been an Assistant Professor of Urology at the University of Massachusetts School of Medicine and Eastern Virginia Medical School. Most notably, Dr. Rosenfeld is a high school varsity basketball assistant coach where he enjoys teaching the game to young players emphasizing how basketball can prepare one for a future well beyond their time on the court.