History
In 1978 Gerrit Arie Lindeboom MD, PhD., professor of Internal Medicine and the Encyclopaedia of Medical Science at the Free University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, initiated the Ethica Medica Foundation. Its objective was the vindication and advancement of the long lasting tradition of medical ethics in which respect for human life in all phases of its development is the central value. As it became clear that a true revolution was taking place within medical ethics, the need for a centre for the study of medical ethics was felt even more strongly. Other organisations in the area of healthcare also became aware of this need. Therefore, the Ethica Medica Foundation started negotiations with the Nederlandse Patiënten Vereniging (Dutch Patients Association), Hogeschool ‘De Vijverberg’ (now: Ede Christian College for Higher Professional Education, CHE) and Stichting Schuilplaats (Caring Foundation) in 1986. This resulted in the foundation of a centre for medical ethics by the latter three organisations on March 30, 1987. Later the Reformed College for higher Professional Education, in Zwolle, Oleos Foundation and the Foundation ‘Worldview in care and welfare’ also joined the Institute, whereas St. Schuilplaats left.
The institute carries the name of Professor Lindeboom to express its gratitude for his significant work on medical ethical issues and its intention to operate within the same spiritual and moral framework.
The institute carries the name of Professor Lindeboom to express its gratitude for his significant work on medical ethical issues and its intention to operate within the same spiritual and moral framework.
