[To become a "bioethicist"?].

Abstract

To date, there is no consensus on the definition of bioethics. As a multidisciplinarv reflection by essence, it is not clear yet if it is a "specialty" or an approach. Bioethics teaching is not widespread and far from being standardized. Thus depending on the country and the institutions that provide it, there are still major variations in the background of the trainees, the terms, content and validation of the training provided, the qualifications for the teachers, and the professional status of the laureates. Although graduates in bioethics are more numerous, the title of "bioethicist" is still neither clearly defined, nor reserved for employment status. Within this framework the debate should furthermore reflect on the need or even the relevance to professionalize bioethics. Would it be appropriate and how to formalize bioethics multidisciplinary reflection and deliberation in a "specialty" with defined functions and jobs in the labor market? What could be the general field of qualification and areas of specialty? Can we design qualifications and status in bioethics like it has been done in law and legal sciences? Should we cope with "general bioethicists" versus "specialized" one? "universalist bioethicists" versus "culturally oriented" one? The debate is open.