Case Study – Heart Transplant Background Information Located at a large hospital in Minneapolis, MN, is a surgical team famous for heart transplants. Many more people need transplants than there are donor hearts available. Doctors examine all potential patients and determine those who could profit the most. At present, the doctors have identified five persons who are donor compatible and have an equal chance for a long and productive life after the transplant. Because of tightening financial restraints on the hospital, the doctors would like for you to choose the recipient who would have the best physical and economical outcome and who would be willing to follow the rehab therapy for the program. Your group has agreed to serve as the committee that will determine which of these transplant candidates should receive the new heart. You only have 20 minutes to make a decision because the donated heart will begin to deteriorate if not transplanted soon. As a team, you must pick one candidate and all must agree on that person. Biographical Data Alfred: Japanese male, age 52, single. Graduated from a business college and was employed by a Fortune 500 company as an executive secretary until his illness. Former boss still calls him for advice and will have a job waiting for him. As a result of his frugal lifestyle and the stock option program at his company, he has a lucrative stock portfolio. Alfred is very active in several church and charitable groups, as well as the local choral society. Before his illness, he maintained a disciplined workout schedule and diet and has several relatives that are more than 100 years old. Bill: White male, age 27, married for five years, one child (age three), wife six months pregnant. Is employed as an auto mechanic and now attends night school to learn automatic transmission rebuilding so he can open a transmission repair shop. No community service listed.

Cora: Hispanic female, age 36, married for 17 years, four children (ages 17, 15, 10, and 5). Her husband is self employed (owns and operates a tavern/restaurant). She is a high school graduate, never employed. Recently purchased home and is determining whether she wants to return to school to become an interior designer. She is also a member of several religious organizations. David: Black male, age 19. He is a sophomore at a large eastern university, majoring in philosophy and literature. He hopes to pursue a PhD and become a college professor. Has had his poetry published in numerous magazines. He is a member of several liberal campus political organizations and an outspoken critic of the school administration. Edna: White female, age 45, married for 10 years, two daughters (ages 18 and 15). She has a brilliant career in the molecular cause of cancer. She is on the health staff of the university and is editor of a medical journal. She also has been a Girl Scout leader of 10 years.

Psychological Report Sheet RE: Patient for Heart Transplant FROM: Hospital Psychological Staff In routine preadmission interviews, the following patients were examined and evaluated as per the following data: Alfred: His employers regard him as indispensable, and his work in church and charitable groups has been very effective. He is well-regarded by those who know him, although he seems introverted and has few, if any, friends, spending most of his time in fitness training. Bill: He is strongly devoted to his family and appears to be an excellent husband and father. His high school record was poor, even though his teachers said he was a student who tried hard. Therefore it is doubtful he will succeed with his business plans. His wife is trained as a legal secretary, but Bill does not allow her to work so she can be a full-time mother. It was noted in the interview that Bill was upset about having to quit drinking to receive a transplant. Cora: She speaks very little English and seems able to talk only about her involvement with the local Catholic church and the local pro-life movement. Her interest in a career may be related to this pre-transplant psychological assessment. She seems resigned to her illness and likely death. Her husband works long hours, is in good health, and enjoys the love and respect of his children.

David: David is an excellent student, respected by teachers and friends. His parents have invested much time and emotion in David and hoped he would become a lawyer, but David is openly hostile and antagonistic toward his parents. He is bitter about his illness. The staff believes that he is mentally disturbed and will eventually need psychiatric help. Edna: She is distraught about her physical condition and her family relations are strained because of her commitment to work. She is a first rate cancer scientist and talked of a “breakthrough” soon. But the interviewer thought she suggested this information to influence the committee’s decision. It was rumored during her divorce 10 years ago that she was cheating on her then husband.