CBSSM is accepting applications for faculty ethicists

Background

The Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine (CBSSM) directed by Dr. Reshma Jagsi at the University of Michigan is accepting applications for faculty ethicists. CBSSM’s Clinical Ethics Service promotes a culture of patient-centered excellence by performing a comprehensive set of ethics-related activities. The aims of this service are to: liaise with and provide support to the adult and pediatric ethics committees; provide clinical ethics consultation and engage in preventative ethics endeavors; 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.

Service Organization

The Clinical Ethics Service is led by Christian J. Vercler, MD, MA and Andrew G. Shuman, MD, who in their service chief roles report to Dr. Reshma Jagsi, Director of the Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine. A full-time clinical ethicist manages the program daily. A cadre of faculty ethicists rotate on service throughout the year and work closely with the clinical ethicist. Fellows, other trainees and students rotate as well. Dedicated administrative support is organized through CBSSM.

Position

The Clinical Ethics Service employs a roster of faculty ethicists who are responsible for staffing ethics consultations arising from any of the clinical venues (inpatient and outpatient; adult and pediatric) within Michigan Medicine during their time on service. They supervise and participate in the institutional educational endeavors and preventative ethics rounds in a regular and on-going manner. Faculty ethicists also develop and provide clinical rotations for medical students and house officers on a cohesive ethics service. Each faculty member will be expected to rotate on service for four to eight weeks per year, and attend/participate in committee meetings and other events throughout the academic year (this will not necessarily require suspension of other activities when on-service). Depending on the total number appointed, each faculty ethicist will receive $15,000-$25,000 of support annually, to be distributed and allocated in conjunction with their home department. The appointment will last two years and is renewable.

Qualifications

Candidates are expected to have faculty appointments at the University of Michigan and be in good academic standing; any professional background is acceptable. Candidates are expected to have qualifications that meet the standards outlined by The American Society for Bioethics and Humanities (ASBH) for Healthcare Ethics Consulting Certification. Direct experience with clinical ethics consultation and ethics education is required. Familiarity with clinical research would be helpful. Excellent organizational and communication skills across multidisciplinary medical fields are obligatory.

Application Process

Candidates will be vetted and chosen by a selection committee. Candidates are asked to submit:

• • Curriculum vitae or resume
• • One-page maximum summary of (1) education/training related to ethics consultation; (2) clinical ethics consultation experience; and (3) motivation/interest in the position
• • Letter of support from Department Chair/Division Head/Center Director or equivalent
• • Submit formal application via email to: lynnam@med.umich.edu

Timeline

• • Applications are due March 6, 2020
• • Announcement of recipients will be made by April 1, 2020
• • Appointment will take effect July 1, 2020