Program in Clinical Ethics

You are here

The Program in Clinical Ethics within the Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine (CBSSM) represents an expansion of existing services designed to promote a culture of patient-centered excellence by developing a comprehensive set of ethics-related activities.  The aims of this program are to: liaise with and provide support to the adult and pediatrics ethics committees; streamline clinical ethics consultation; assist with ethics-related policy development on a regular and proactive basis; organize and administer structured educational programs in clinical ethics; and coordinate empiric research with relevance to clinical ethics within CBSSM.

Background
The Program in Clinical Ethics within CBSSM represents an expansion of existing services designed to promote a culture of patient-centered excellence by developing a comprehensive set of ethics-related activities.  The aims of this program are to: liaise with and provide support to the adult and pediatrics ethics committees; streamline clinical ethics consultation; assist with ethics-related policy development on a regular and proactive basis; organize and administer structured educational programs in clinical ethics; and coordinate empiric research with relevance to clinical ethics within CBSSM.

Program Organization
The Program in Clinical Ethics is co-directed by the chairs of the adult and pediatric ethics committees and consultation services, Christian J. Vercler, MD, MA and Andrew G. Shuman, MD. A dedicated clinician ethicist manages the program on a daily basis.  A cadre of eight faculty ethicists rotate on service throughout the year and work closely with the clinician ethicist.  Trainees and students rotate as well.  Dedicated administrative support will be organized through CBSSM.

Clinical Ethics Consultation Service
The Clinical Ethics Program offers adult and pediatric ethics consultation services across UMHS, and are available 24/7/365.  More information about the adult and pediatric ethics committees and consultation services can be found on the Adult Ethics Committee and Pediatrics Ethics Committee web pages.

Preventative Ethics
The concept of preventative ethics is critical in anticipating, navigating and mitigating potential conflicts and tensions before they become true ethical dilemmas or crises, and necessitate formal consults.   This model facilitates awareness and proactive decision-making on the part of patients, families, trainees and staff, and creates a more visible presence for ethics in the health system.  The Program in Clinical Ethics offers regular preventative ethics rounds in a variety of care settings across UMHS.

Educational Program
Medical ethics is an integral component of contemporary education for all clinicians. There is a vibrant program for longitudinal ethics education within the medical school, and a more intensive curriculum as part of its path of excellence program.  The Program in Clinical Ethics provides a robust program for longitudinal education and awareness of clinical ethics for UMHS staff and trainees. 


People
Christian J. Vercler, MD MA
Andrew G. Shuman, MD
[more to be named soon!]

Contacts
Co-Directors of the Program in Clinical Ethics: Christian J. Vercler, MD, MA & Andrew G. Shuman, MD
Administrative contact: Valerie Kahn – valkahn@med.umich.edu  734-615-5371