CWRU Department of Bioethics

This is a friendly reminder about the upcoming Marshall Lecture on Tuesday, October 15! The event will be in person and livestreamed. Shawneequa Callier will speak on "From Data to Measurable Actions: Advancing Equity in Genomics Research."

Please join us!

For more information, go to: https://case.edu/medicine/bioethics/about/change/events

📢 Save the Date: 3rd Annual Patricia A. Marshall Lecture in Genomics and Equity! 📢

We are thrilled to welcome Professor Shawneequa Callier, a renowned expert in the ethical, legal, and social implications of genomics research and data science, for the 3rd Annual Patricia A. Marshall Lecture on October 15. Her work in this field promises to provide valuable insights on advancing equity in genomics research. We eagerly anticipate an engaging and thought-provoking discussion on this crucial topic.

🎤 Speaker: Shawneequa Callier, J.D., MA Bioethics
Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Research and Leadership
George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
📌 Topic: "From Data to Measurable Actions: Advancing Equity in Genomics Research"
📅 When: Tuesday, October 15th, 2024
⏰ Time: 1:30 - 3 PM
📍 Where: Wolstein 1413
🖥️ Can't make it in person? Join via livestream: http://www.case.edu/livestream/s1

About the Speaker:
We're delighted to welcome Professor Callier back to CWRU! She previously served as a Postdoctoral Scholar at our Center for Genetic Research Ethics and Law. With extensive experience analyzing the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of emerging technologies, Professor Callier has become a leading voice in genomics research and data science. She currently works on various projects funded by the US National Institutes of Health that focus on the ELSI of genomics research and data science.
This lecture is organized by the Bioethics Center for Community Health and Genomic Equity (CHANGE), which addresses ethical issues related to health equity and genomics.

Don't miss this opportunity to engage with cutting-edge discussions on advancing equity in genomics research. A reception will follow the lecture.

For more information, visit: https://case.edu/medicine/bioethics/about/change/events

Patricia A. Marshall Lecture on Genomics and Equity | Bioethics | School of Medicine | Case Western Reserve University This lecture series, hosted by the Bioethics Center forCommunity Health ANd Genomic Equity (CHANGE) and the CWRU Department of Bioethics, showcases s...

We are thrilled to be in St. Louis for the 26th Annual Conference of the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities (ASBH)!

This year's theme asks a profound question: "What does it mean to be human?" As we navigate a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, we're excited to engage in discussions that challenge our perceptions and push the boundaries of bioethical thought.

Our department is well-represented, with numerous faculty, staff, and students presenting their innovative research. We're not just attendees – we're proud sponsors of this important event!

Want to know more? Check out our list of presenters below. We're looking forward to sharing insights, reconnecting with colleagues, and learning from the brightest minds in bioethics.

Stay tuned for updates throughout the conference!

We have exciting news to share! 🎉

Karmel (Kam) Moraco, one of our outstanding MA students in the Department of Bioethics, has been awarded a highly competitive grant from the Cross-Institutional Undergraduate Sponsorship Program in Bioethics (CUSP).

This prestigious award is funding Kam's first-ever attendance at the ASBH annual meeting happening this week.

While many of our faculty, staff, and students are seasoned attendees at ASBH - 26th Annual Conference of the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities - this marks Kam's debut in this professional setting. His thoughtfulness and dedication make him an ideal recipient for this award. We're thrilled to see his hard work recognized and are eager to hear about the insights he's gaining from this first-time experience.

Join us in congratulating Kam on this fantastic achievement! 👏

We're proud to have a strong CWRU Bioethics presence at ASBH this week, with Kam joining many of our experienced faculty, staff, and fellow students. It's exciting to see our community making an impact and supporting new scholars like Kam in their professional journey!

🎉 We're proud to acknowledge three well-deserved promotions from the past year. Our dedicated staff is the backbone of our department, keeping everything running smoothly and advancing our work in research, teaching, and service.

1. Harlie Custer - promoted to Research Assistant 3 🔬

Harlie coordinates the FAIRER project (Framework for Advances In Reprogenomics Ethics & Regulation), which aims to build an ethical framework for reproductive genomics research. Her work involves:
* Conducting interviews, focus groups, and literature reviews to understand whether and how to involve pregnancy-capable people in clinical trials for reproductive genomics
* Presenting the work at various conferences, including the upcoming ASBH conference in September

Harlie is pursuing a joint MA in Bioethics and Masters of Public Health.

2. Marcie Lambrix - promoted to Senior Research Associate 🏥

Marcie is a Clinical Ethicist and Research Supervisor at MetroHealth's Center for Biomedical Ethics. Her role includes:
* Conducting ICU rounds and community outreach
* Leading ethics research, including studies in the Burn Unit
* Coordinating the "Bioethics@Noon" Grand Rounds Series

Marcie holds an MA in Sociology and is pursuing a Certificate in Healthcare Compliance and Risk Management at CWRU School of Law.

3. Roselle Ponsaran - promoted to Senior Research Associate 📊

Roselle is the Assistant Director of Research Programs for the department and for CHANGE. Her work includes:
* Advising and supporting grants and research protocols for researchers, staff, and graduate students.

Join us in congratulating Harlie, Marcie, and Roselle on their achievements and new roles! 👏 Their dedication and hard work exemplify the commitment of our entire staff, who are essential to the success and continued growth of our department.

📣 Calling all CWRU undergraduate and graduate students! Continue a legacy of global learning with our Bioethics Study Abroad programs! 🌍

We are thrilled to announce the continuation of our long-standing, highly successful Study Abroad programs for Spring 2025. For years, we've offered transformative international experiences, and now it's your turn to be part of this enriching tradition!

Applications are now open for two amazing courses:

1️⃣ BETH 415D: Culture and Bioethics in France
🗓️ Spring Break 2025
🗼 Explore Paris with Dr. Sana Loue and PhD student Deb Beight

2️⃣ BETH 415F: Comparison in Bioethics: Spanish and American Perspectives
🗓️ Two weeks in May 2025 (after finals)
🇪🇸 Discover Granada with Dr. Mark Aulisio

Our time-tested programs offer:
✅ 3 credits
✅ No prerequisites
✅ Exclusive to CWRU undergraduate and graduate students
✅ Unique focus on Bioethics and Medical Humanities
✅ Unforgettable cultural experiences in France or Spain

These courses have provided countless CWRU students with global perspectives in bioethics, enhancing their academic and personal growth. Don't miss this chance to expand your horizons and join the ranks of CWRU students who've had life-changing experiences abroad!

Interested? Email [email protected] to schedule your required program interview.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/3XgevCB

👥 A Special Note to Our Alumni 👥
Did you participate in one of our Bioethics Study Abroad courses? We'd love to hear from you! How did the experience shape your academic or professional path? Share your story in the comments.

The CWRU Department of Bioethics extends heartfelt congratulations to Birthing Beautiful Communities (BBC) on their 10th Anniversary and successful MiraCLE celebration!

Dr. Marsha Michie and Lynette Hammond Gerido, had the privilege of attending this momentous event. As 2024 CTSC-Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative of Northern Ohio READI Themed Pilot Awardees, they share BBC's commitment to promoting healthy babies, women, and families in Cleveland. MiraCLE: Celebrating Those Who Give Life, Love & Support was a celebration to recognize the miracle of motherhood and community, and to bring together 300 community members and leaders as Birthing Beautiful Communities (BBC) marks their 10 Year Anniversary!

Since 2014, BBC has been at the forefront of community-based maternal health support in Cleveland. Their doula program, led by trained Perinatal Support Persons, provides essential care to families from pregnancy through the baby's first year.

We're inspired by BBC's dedication to addressing infant mortality and improving health outcomes in our community. Here's to another decade of impactful work!

Rain couldn't dampen our spirits!

The CWRU Department of Bioethics marked two successful weeks of classes with an indoor picnic. Faculty, staff, and students gathered to play games and take a break! Here's to many more weeks of engaging discussions and bioethical explorations!

We're thrilled to share that Dr. Lynette Hammond Gerido, along with Angela White, were recently interviewed by WEWS-TV. They discussed their important CTSC-Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative of Northern Ohio-funded READI project: "Realizing the Net Benefit of Newborn Screening: Addressing Racial Disparities in Awareness, Return of Results, and Time to Treatment".

This study aims to develop a community-led action research agenda to raise awareness of newborn screening, identify systems-level actions to improve the data to analyze trends in racial disparities, and increase diversity in rare disease clinical trials. It's a crucial step towards ensuring equitable healthcare for all communities.

We're proud of their dedication to this vital research. Watch the full interview to learn more: https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/whats-being-done-to-save-black-babies-in-cuyahoga-county

What's being done to save Black babies in Cuyahoga County The Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative of Northern Ohio (CTSC) at Case Western Reserve University has awarded ten projects to academic and community teams to support work in this effort.

Today, on International Cat Day, we are putting our feline friends in the spotlight! 🐱🎓

Meet some of the unofficial members of our department – the cats who keep our staff company during long hours of research or administration while working at home.

From cuddly writing companions to curious onlookers during virtual meetings, they're an integral part of our well-being of some in our department.

On this , we celebrate the silent contributors to academic life. They remind us to take breaks, offer unconditional support, and sometimes challenge our ethics papers by strategically sitting on them!

Happy International Cat Day from all of us (humans and cats alike) at the CWRU Department of Bioethics!

🎉👏 We're thrilled to announce that our alumnus, Dr. Camilo Arenas Gallo, has published a thoughtful review in the New England Journal of Medicine. Titled "Race-Based Screening under the Public Health Ethics Microscope — The Case of Prostate Cancer," this work offers a critical examination of prostate cancer screening and race-based screening advisories in the American medical health community.

This publication has its roots in Dr. Arenas-Gallo's capstone project for his MA in Bioethics and Medical Humanities here, with Dr. Marsha Michie serving as the capstone reader. Dr. Randy A. Vince, Jr. played a crucial role in developing this project into a publication.

The article is co-authored with Drs. Michie, Nora Jones, Peter J. Pronovost, and Vince, bringing together a wealth of expertise to delve into the complex ethical and practical considerations surrounding current screening practices.

We're incredibly proud of this contribution to the ongoing dialogue about equitable healthcare. This publication exemplifies the kind of nuanced analysis and critical thinking we foster in our department.
Medical professionals, policymakers, and anyone interested in healthcare equity will find valuable insights in this review.

Check out the full article in the latest issue of NEJM!
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMms2402322

Congratulations once again to Dr. Arenas-Gallo and all co-authors on this outstanding achievement. Your work makes a significant impact in the field of bioethics and healthcare equity!

🎉 Celebrating Excellence: CWRU Bioethics Updates 👏 -

CWRU Bioethics The latest issue of our departmental newsletter!

We're thrilled to announce three well-deserved faculty promotions:

Dr. Marsha Michie has been granted tenure
Dr. Monica Gerrek has been promoted to Associate Professor
Dr. Ben Schwan has been promoted to Assistant Professor

These promotions reflect the outstanding contributions of our faculty to the field of bioethics. Their work continues to shape important discussions on healthcare ethics, research integrity, and more.

Learn more about their research and teaching:
Dr. Michie: https://case.edu/medicine/bioethics/about/faculty-staff/marsha-michie

Dr. Gerrek: https://case.edu/medicine/bioethics/about/faculty-staff/monica-l-gerrek

Dr. Schwan: https://case.edu/medicine/bioethics/about/faculty-staff/ben-schwan

Please join us in congratulating Drs. Michie, Gerrek, and Schwan on their achievements!

Join us this Thursday for MetroHealth's Center for Biomedical Ethics Virtual Bioethics@Noon Grand Rounds

"Ethical Problems with Patient Autonomy and Distributive Justice in the use of COVID-19 Oral Pharmacotherapeutics"

Speaker: David Essi, PharmD, MA
(Proud graduate of our Bioethics MA program)

Date: Thursday, August 1, 2024
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EDT
Platform: Zoom - https://cwru.zoom.us/j/99710724618?pwd=UEpHQkUzbFZ0WE5aNUJTelEycmV6UT09
Meeting ID: 997 1072 4618, Password: Metro

Join us for an enlightening discussion on the ethical challenges faced by rural pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Essi will present case studies highlighting issues of informed consent, drug interactions, and distributive justice in the context of COVID-19 oral medications.

This talk promises to offer valuable insights for healthcare professionals, ethicists, students, and anyone interested in the intersection of public health and ethics.

🎓 We are proud to have been part of Case Western Reserve University's represention at the recent National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (NAAHP) conference!

🌟 Drs. Leah Jeunette and Eileen Anderson presented on "New Categories of Student Assistance: Dealing with the Student Mental Health Crisis." Their talk showcased our innovative approaches to supporting student well-being - a crucial topic in today's educational landscape.

But that's not all! We were happy to meet up with a powerhouse team of 14 faculty and staff members from various CWRU departments offices, including:

• MS in Anesthesia Program
• University Program MD Admissions
• School of Medicine Office of Enrollment Management
• Medical Physics Program
• Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine (CCLCM) MD Admissions

This diverse group reflects our university-wide commitment to excellence in health professions advising. The NAAHP conference is a fantastic opportunity for advisors from across the US and internationally to collaborate and share knowledge.

We're excited to bring back fresh ideas and strategies to continue providing top-notch guidance to our students pursuing careers in healthcare.

🎓 We've just released the recording of our recent webinar on our Master of Arts in Bioethics and Medical Humanities program.

In this informative session, we covered:
• How our program prepares you for diverse career paths
• Opportunities in pre-health and pre-med fields
• Avenues for research and healthcare policy roles
• The unique aspects of our curriculum
Whether you're looking to advance your career or pivot into a new field, this program offers valuable insights and skills for the evolving healthcare landscape.

Interested in learning more? Feel free to reach out or comment below with your questions.

Develop your Professional Skills with Bioethics and Medical Humanities!

Develop your Professional Skills with Bioethics and Medical Humanities! Looking for a way to develop yourself and stand out in your career? During this interactive session, Dr. Leah Jeunnette shares how our nine-month Master's pr...

A recent article on ideastream, discussing the fatal stabbing of a 3-year-old and examines Ohio's mental health safety net system, features comments from Ben Schwan, on the complex ethical considerations around involuntary hospitalization. "“It would be unreasonable to lock that person away forever or for the rest of their lives for the mere reason that they might be off of their meds and start doing these types of things again,” Schwan said. "

Read the full article below:

Fatal stabbing of a 3-year-old raises questions about Ohio's mental health safety net The killing of a child outside a supermarket in Northeast Ohio, has raised questions about whether the suspect fell through cracks in the mental health system.

We are exceptionally proud that two members of our department were among this year's winners of two esteemed Case Western Reserve University staff awards!

Leah Jeunnette, our director of the MA in Bioethics and Medical Humanities program, is one of three recipients of the President's Award for Distinguished Service for 2024. This prestigious award recognizes up to three staff members annually whose qualities align with university values and whose contributions have a transformative effect on colleagues, students, or visitors.

Leah's exceptional organizational skills, empathy, and dedication to students led her to become the first staff member in our 29 year history appointed as director of the program. Under her leadership, the program has nearly doubled its enrollment, enhanced student experiences, and ensured well-being across a diverse student body.

During the pandemic, Leah's leadership shone as she spearheaded the department's transition to online learning, going above and beyond by helping secure internet access for a rural student and a laptop for a first-generation urban low-income student, all while driving curricular innovations and providing technical assistance.

Her nominator said, "Leah Jeunnette is extraordinary. There are endless stories that could be shared about her efficacy, innovation, leadership, can-do attitude, compassion and tireless work ethic."

We are equally thrilled to announce that Marie Norris, our Graduate Studies Coordinator, is the recipient of the Robin Kramer Volunteer Award. This award recognizes a staff member who actively volunteers in the CWRU community.

Marie's dedication to student success and diversity, equity, and inclusion extends far beyond her official capacity. She is described as a careful and thoughtful listener who embodies the values she champions. Marie's contributions include facilitating the Diversity 360 program, serving on the executive committee for the Sustained Dialogue program, and cultivating diversity advocates through her work with the Train the Champion program.

Her impact on students is profound, with one alum noting, "I don't think I would have been nearly as successful without Ms. Norris being so kind and generous." Marie's nominator emphasized her inclusivity, generosity, and remarkable warmth and empathy that make students feel connected to the greater university community. Who can resist saying hello to her when you see her office door open? Not us!

By recognizing exceptional staff members like Leah and Marie, CWRU reaffirms its commitment to fostering an environment that supports learning, enriches the student experience, and elevates the entire university community.

Congrats again to Leah and Marie! Their recognition is a testament to the high standards and unwavering commitment to service that characterize our department and the broader CWRU community!

Read more here: https://buff.ly/45Xm1WR

📢 Several members of our department - representing our Bioethics Center for Community Health ANd Genomic Equity (CHANGE) - will be attending the 6th ELSI Congress, ELSIcon2024, in New York City next week! 🗽🧬

ELSIcon2024 is the conference for exploring the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of genomic research, and we couldn't be more excited to be a part of it. The theme of this year's conference, "Reimagining the Benefits of Genomic Science," aligns perfectly with our team's mission and research focus. 🔬💡

Staff members, including Sabina Rubeck, Harlie Custer, Xavier Williams, McKenna Horstmann, Jewels Watts, and faculty members Lynette Hammond Gerido, Marsha Michie, and Aaron Goldenberg, will be delivering presentations, talks, meeting with colleagues and sharing posters to showcase our work and collaborations. It's an incredible opportunity for us to engage with fellow researchers, scholars, practitioners, trainees, and all who share our passion for this important work. 🤝🧑‍🔬

Check out the list of talks at ELSIcon2024 below! 👀✨

Feyi Rufai, a recent graduate of our Master of Arts in Bioethics and Medical Humanities program, was featured on the CWRU School of Medicine website! 👩‍🎓

Feyi's journey at CWRU has been remarkable, as she pursued her bachelor's degrees in psychology AND sociology while completing her master's in bioethics. Her next step? Starting her MD studies at the CWRU School of Medicine! 📚⚕️

Her studies at CWRU, and in our department, have enhanced her perspective as an aspiring OB/GYN focused on understanding and combating health disparities. 💪👩‍⚕️

"If I want to be a good physician—one who people not only respect but also trust—I need to be able to make decisions for my patients based on their best needs and considering multiple perspectives," Feyi said. "The bioethics program has really helped me learn how to advocate for someone else and communicate that effectively." 🗣️💖

We can't wait to see the impact she will make as a future physician!

Read more about Feyi's inspiring journey here: https://buff.ly/4eebOZN

Faces of medicine | School of Medicine | School of Medicine | Case Western Reserve University Meet six students shaping their fields—and their futures Across 25 doctoral, master’s, and certificate programs, more than 2,800 students are gain...

Attention all CWRU Department of Bioethics Alumni! 📣

Are you on LinkedIn? Join us on our new LinkedIn group for graduates of our bioethics and medical humanities programs - including the Master's degree, the Bioethics Minor, and the PhD programs.

For over 20 years, our courses have involved deep discussions, diverse perspectives, and friendships. Let's keep that spirit alive!

Whether you're currently working in bioethics, applying your expertise in a related field, or pursuing further education, we hope that here you can:

- Reconnect with old friends and make new connections
- Share insights, articles, and research related to bioethics and medical humanities
- Discuss the latest developments and challenges
- Seek advice and support from fellow alumni

So, if you are one of the more that 800 graduates from our programs, we invite you to join our LinkedIn group today. Let's continue to foster the diversity of perspectives and disciplines that made our time at CWRU so enriching!

Follow this link:
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13044637

Complete your gap year at CWRU

If you are looking for a way to enhance your resume toward the next step in your career, consider the Master of Arts in Bioethics and Medical Humanities program at Case Western Reserve University.

Our 29-year history has allowed us to establish a reputation as one of the top programs for bioethics and medical humanities in the United States. We personally engage with students and offer a range of learning opportunities, including:
More than 150 hours of clinical ethics rotations in local teaching hospitals,
A customized plan of study geared toward your interests and goals; and
Three concentrations—in research ethics; medicine, society and culture; or health policy—that allow you to gain a deeper understanding in more specific areas!

Applications for fall 2024 are still being accepted, apply now!

Request more info here:

Request for Information | Bioethics | School of Medicine | Case Western Reserve University Loading.../* 1) ? '&' + location.search.substring(1) : ''); var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(script, s);/*]]>*/

Rising sophomore Bhavya Bansal has gotten approval for a Dean's Approved Major in Biology and Society that will be anchored in the Department of Bioethics. Dr. Eileen Anderson is advising Ms. Bansal. She states, "Bhavya is a highly motivated, brilliant and dynamic student who understands the importance of science-in-context. As a future physician, Bhavya is learning skills from the humanities, arts and social sciences integrated throughout her entire pathway of higher education." Ms. Bansal is a student in the highly competitive CWRU Pre-Professional Scholars Program in Medicine where students complete their undergraduate and medical degrees in an accelerated timeline.

In this degree, Ms. Bansal will gain foundational upper level biology knowledge while combining it with the social dimensions of modern biology and the biological dimensions of contemporary social and ethical issues.

These types of majors that integrate the hard sciences with the social sciences and humanities together into one major are the way of the future according to Ms. Bansal and corroborated by national data.

Please welcome Ms. Bansal to the department and be sure to say hello!