SUMMARY
The research interests of biomedical ethics expert Zubin Master, Ph.D., broadly cover ethical and policy issues related to regenerative medicine and stem cell research, genetics, research ethics, and the responsible conduct of research. More specifically, Dr. Master's interests rest on understanding how personal beliefs and perceptions of scientific evidence impact health care decision-making.
Dr. Master's latest work centers on the translation and commercialization of stem cell interventions and the direct-to-consumer market of stem cell treatments unapproved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Master is also interested in ethical and policy issues related to the U.S. Right to Try Act and the FDA's expanded access program. His work in research integrity concentrates on authorship and publication ethics, mentorship, and research integrity climate.
Focus areas
- Characterizing how patients and providers consider scientific evidence in making shared decisions to pursue regenerative medicine therapy options
- Incorporating the views of patients, physicians and others to develop patient-centered tools to improve patient-provider communication in health care decision-making
- Examining ethical and policy issues on research involving genetics and gene editing
- Promoting responsible conduct of research by outlining strategies for scientists and research institutions on authorship and publication ethics, conflicts of interest, and mentorship
- Examining the perceptions of patients and physicians about accessing unapproved medical interventions under various policy frameworks, including the Right to Try Act, physician scope of practice and medical innovation, and expanded access
Significance to patient care
Dr. Master's work in regenerative medicine is directly relevant to patient education and the provision of physician services to patients. Working with colleagues within Mayo Clinic's Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics, Dr. Master's research is translated to improve the effectiveness of informing and navigating the center's regenerative medicine consultation service for patients. Dr. Master's work involves the creation of patient education materials in stem cells and regenerative medicine and the development of tools for physicians to improve patient-physician communication.
Professional highlights
- Member, Education Committee, International Society for Stem Cell Research, 2019-present
- Ex officio, Public Policy Committee, International Society for Stem Cell Research, 2019-present
- Lawrence Goldstein Policy Fellow, International Society for Stem Cell Research, 2019-present
- Associate editor for Commentaries, Accountability in Research: Policies and Quality Assurance, 2018-present
- Senior policy advisor/analyst, Health Canada, 2006-2010