The movie “Awakenings” shows how the medical research done for humans has raised questions and controversy when considering human aspects. The lead role is played by Robin Williams as Dr. Sayer, who applies for a job at a hospital that takes care of mentally ill patients. Dr. Sayers prior experiences include research from past. While applying job, Dr. Sayer was unaware that his job duties included patient contact on daily basis. Then he learns that most patients had encountered encephalitis and were all experiencing a sleep state. Then Dr. Sayer finds something interesting about how all these patients have similar condition and that they were all unresponsive when a ball was thrown towards them. The event starts with character, Leonard Lowe, who is one of the victims of encephalitis. Dr. Sayer consults another doctors to learn more about encephalitis. While doing research, Dr. Sayer learns that all patients with same symptoms had to use the drug L-Dopa. He finds out this information at conference and then makes a request at his work place to medical director to allow him to use L-Dopa on the patients. Due to insufficient funds, Dr. Sayer is able to treat Leonard Lowe. The medical director does not consider giving more funds to Dr. Sayer as he thinks the treatment is not going to be useful. …show more content…
This unethical behavior is clearly seen by medical director and other doctors at hospital. Dr. Sayer also faces unethical issue to treat Mr. Lowe, as he knows Mr. Lowe cannot provide consent for treatment. This event is clearly seen in the movie and I think it does exist today in healthcare facilities. Later, the mother of Mr. Lowe agrees to give consent as her desire to get his son back to normal increases. There is a conflict of interest as Dr. Sayer is requesting permission from Mr. Lowe’s mother. This is also considered