Pediatric Bioethics Certificate Program

Applications Now Open - Deadline May 20

The Pediatric Bioethics Certificate Program provides a broad overview of critical topics in bioethics through the lens of unique considerations related to care for, research involving, and policy considerations related to children and adolescents. Participants engage in weekly in-depth exploration of many specific questions and problems encountered in the clinical setting. It is intended both for health care professionals engaged in pediatric clinical care with a special interest in bioethics, as well as participants who have studied ethics on a more academic level but have no clinical experience and/or have developed an interest in pediatric ethics through work in another related field such as law, public policy, public health and beyond. Hospital ethics committee members (clinicians and non-clinicians), and pediatric faculty that provide ethics education for residents, fellows, and medical students, will find this course particularly relevant to their work and professional development. Core learning units include establishing a framework for ethical decision-making, addressing ethical questions associated with extreme prematurity, making end-of-life care decisions, allocating limited resources, establishing the structure and functions of hospital pediatric ethics committees, and many more.

Thursday mornings, 9:00 - 11:30 AM ET
September 10, 2026 through December 10, 2026; no sessions during the ASBH Annual Conference (October 15) or on Thanksgiving (November 26)
Weekly online sessions include weekly lectures followed by small group seminars facilitated by course faculty
Taught primarily by faculty from Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, with invited guest faculty from other US and international institutions
An optional in-person culminating event on December 10, 2026 in Boston, MA, including dinner on December 9, 2026 (travel and accommodation costs are not included in tuition)
Cost: $4,750 USD

Program Topics
Overview of medical ethics Standards for decision-making in pediatrics Parental authority and its limits: a framework for decision-making Futility and end-of-life Extreme prematurity and decisions in the delivery room Disability ethics and moral standing	Palliative medicine Assent, consent, and the mature minor Nursing ethics in pediatrics Research and innovation Rationing and allocation: general concepts and planning for a disaster Ethics committee structure and function

Developed and offered by the Boston Children's Hospital Center for Pediatric Bioethics and the Harvard Medical School Center for Bioethics. Administratively supported by the Harvard Medical School Center for Bioethics. Please contact bioethics_certificate@hms.harvard.edu with any questions.

Application Materials

CV/Resume
Statement of purpose describing the reasons for your interest in this certificate, including any particular topics or questions you are most interested in exploring. This letter must be 750 words or fewer in length and is an important opportunity for you to tell us about yourself, your interests, and your motivations in pursuing training in bioethics.
One letter of recommendation signed, dated, and on official letterhead.
Optional letter of institutional support from a supervisor or senior member confirming their support for your participation in the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there required work outside of the weekly sessions?

There is no graded work outside of the weekly sessions. However, participants will occasionally be asked to read short articles or book chapters in advance to prepare for discussion.

What is the attendance policy?

Participants are expected to attend at least 10 of the 12 sessions. Those who attend fewer than 10 sessions may be ineligible to receive a certificate.