“Something of an Adventure”: Postwar NIH Research Ethos and the Guatemala STD Experiments

摘要: The STD experiments in Guatemala from 1946-1948 have earned a place of infamy the history medical ethics. But if were so "ethically impossible," how did U.S. government approve their funding? Although much literature has targeted failings Dr. John Cutler, we focus on institutional context and research ethos that shaped outcome research. After end WWII, Cassius Van Slyke reconstructed federal contracts process into grant program. inaugural NIH study section recommended approval at its first meeting. funding oversight was marked with serious conflicts interest lack oversight, it this structure, as opposed to merely maleficent individual, allowed proceed. We conclude while current regulations are designed prevent abuses perpetrated subjects experiments, takes comprehensive understanding ethics through professional education achieve longstanding ideal responsible investigator, ensure ethical under any regulatory scheme.