Position Paper: A culmination of your work in the course and focusing on one of the arguments presented in the Daniel text, the 5-6 page (maximum) Position Paper will include: (1) An introduction to the argument on your public health issue(s) of choice (including a clear thesis); (2) Major findings in the literature that support your position for the paper; (3) A conclusion; and (4) at least 6 CREDIBLE (e.g., peer reviewed journals) citations accompanied by a reference list at the end of the paper.
List of topics:
-Will Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking) Negatively Affect Human Health and the Environment?
-Do Cell Phones Cause Cancer? -Do the Benefits of Statin Drugs Outweigh the Risks?
-Are Homeopathic Remedies Effective? -Does the Affordable Health Care Act Violate Religious Freedom?
-Is the Affordable Health Care Act Successful? -Should the Healthcare System Continuously Strive to Extend Life?
-Is There a Link Between Vaccination and Autism? -Do Religion and Prayer Benefit Health? –
Should Marijuana Be Legalized for Medicinal Purposes?
-Should Addiction to Drugs Be Labeled a Brain Disease?
-Are Energy Drinks with Alcohol Dangerous Enough to Ban?
-Is the Cost of Treating Cancer Unsustainable?
-Is There a Valid Link Between Saturated Fat and Heart Disease?
-Should Embryonic Stem Cell Research Be Permitted?
-Is It Necessary for Pregnant Women to Completely Abstain from All Alcoholic Beverages?
-Should Pro-Life Health Providers Be Allowed to Deny Prescriptions on the Basis of Conscience?
-Should the Cervical Cancer Vaccine for Girls Be Compulsory?
-Is There a Valid Reason for Routine Infant Male Circumcision?
-Is the Use of “Smart” Pills for Cognitive Enhancement Dangerous?
-Are Restrictions on Sugar and Sugary Beverages Justified?
-Is Weight-Loss Maintenance Possible?
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a medical professor, I prioritize the development of critical thinking skills among my students. One of the ways I achieve this is by designing assignments that challenge them to conduct thorough research, analyze information from credible sources, and form an evidence-based argument. The Position Paper is one such assignment that requires students to demonstrate mastery of these skills. In this paper, students will choose one of the public health issues provided and present a clear thesis on the selected topic. They will also support their argument with reliable literature and credible citations.
Answer:
The Position Paper is a culminating assignment that aims to evaluate the critical thinking skills of medical college students. It requires students to choose one of the public health issues, present a clear introduction that includes a thesis, discuss major findings that support their position, and provide a conclusion. Additionally, students are expected to include at least six credible citations from peer-reviewed journals. By completing this assignment, students will develop their research, analysis, and writing skills, preparing them for future careers in healthcare.
