2010-2011 Go Big Read: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks : Videos

For years, scientists tried to get cancer cells to reproduce outside of the body with little success. Forty-five years ago, a few days before a woman named Henrietta died of cancer, a scientist took samples of her cancerous cells and placed them in a human placenta to see if they would grow. Not only did they grow, but Henrietta’s cells have since proven vital to cancer research worldwide. The program examines how the cells have advanced the war on cancer, and why they have caused controversy among scientists in the highly politicized research community.

This program examines ethical issues in social and natural sciences research and in health research. It covers such topics as plagiarism, crediting and citing sources, falsification of data, the use of human and animal subjects, informed consent, privacy, confidentiality, and conflicts of interest.

Examines the ethical issues raised by the Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male (1932-1972). Presented through excerpts from David Feldshuh’s play, Miss Evers’ Boys and commentary from health professionals, government officials and James Jones, author of Bad Blood.

Follows patients and families facing critical medical decisions as they navigate their way through the health care system. Provides a look at a variety of patients’ cultures and the culture of medicine. Raises an awareness about the role sociocultural barriers play in patient-provider communication and in the provision of healthcare services for culturally and ethnically diverse patients.

Using the subject of cancer, this video explores ways that differences in culture, race, and ethnicity affect health and the delivery of health care services.