Susan J. Lee Char

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About

Susan J. Lee Char is a leading bioethicist whose work explores the ethical complexities of surgical innovation and patient autonomy. Her research centers on the intersection of medical ethics, informed consent, and the unique challenges posed by novel procedures. Char’s most influential contribution, her 2012 paper “Informed consent for innovative surgery: A survey of patients and surgeons,” has garnered 52 citations and remains a foundational text in the field. This study critically examines the gap between patient understanding and surgeon disclosure when experimental techniques are employed, revealing how traditional consent models often fail in the context of innovation. By surveying both parties, Char demonstrated that patients frequently overestimate the evidence base for novel surgeries, while surgeons struggle to communicate uncertainty without undermining trust. Her work has directly influenced institutional policies on consent for innovative procedures, emphasizing the need for transparent, patient-centered communication. Char’s scholarship bridges clinical practice and ethical theory, offering practical frameworks for navigating the moral dilemmas of modern medicine. Her research continues to shape how surgeons, ethicists, and regulators approach the responsible introduction of new treatments.