Clinical Ethics
Advanced Certificate in Clinical Ethics
The fall 2025 Advanced Certificate in Clinical Ethics application is now open.
The Clinical Ethics Program at URMC operates within the Department of Health Humanities & Bioethics, anchored in the institution’s biopsychosocial model of care. Its mission is to nurture ethical excellence and compassionate care through education, policy development, consultation, advocacy, research, and community outreach.
SMH Ethics Committee
The Ethics Committee is an active interdisciplinary group that includes broad representation from across the Rochester community.
SMH Consult Service
The Ethics Consultation Service helps patients, families, and caregivers to navigate the issues and choices surrounding difficult decisions.
Educational Programs
The Clinical Ethics education opportunities include a certificate program, a liaison program, and a fellowship.
Research/Publications
Our faculty have written many peer reviewed papers across diverse subjects in ethics.
Ask Jane / Ask Alice
Both Ask Jane and Ask Alice provide the URMC community an interface for non-urgent clinical ethical questions.
Newsletters
The Clinical Ethics Newsletter provides important information for issues in ethics.
Committee Members
Connect with our Committee Members
Contact Us
Program Director and Chair of the Ethics Committee
Margie Hodges Shaw, JD, PhD, MA, HEC-C
Email: margie_shaw@urmc.rochester.edu
585-275-5800
Interim Program Administrator
Lainie Ross, MD, PhD
Email: lainie_ross@urmc.rochester.edu