The Center for Biomedical Ethics (CBME) is a longtime collaborative effort between the CWRU School of Medicine's Department of Bioethics and the MetroHealth System.
The CBME's 24/7 ethics consultation service is the backbone of its
service efforts.
The CBME also participates in clinical rounds on all intensive care units on a weekly basis, facilitating timely resolution of ethical issues and, in some cases, preventive measures to head off crises.
The CBME offers various educational initiatives, including:
- Bioethics@Noon speaker series (CEU approved)
- Regular educational sessions on Correctional Medicine, Dentistry, Perinatal Loss, New Nurses Orientation
Additionally, faculty and staff provide:
- Precepting for Bioethics students
- Clinical ethics immersion electives for medical students
- Internship and fellowship opportunities for trainees at all levels (undergraduate to post-doctoral)
The CBME demonstrates its commitment to community engagement through active participation in various hospital and community initiatives. These include Ethics/Legal/Social Work Town Halls, Adult Protective Service Meetings, and involvement in key committees, such as the Privacy Board and Disruptive Behavior Board.
The CBME has recently focused on providing free advance care planning resources to marginalized populations. In the past year, Center members have organized or contributed to 10 events offering information and documents on this crucial topic. This initiative was recognized with the 2024 CWRU Department/Office/Unit Diversity Excellence Award.
This multi-faceted approach to community work reflects the CBME's dedication to integrating Bioethics into wider healthcare and social spheres, ensuring that ethical considerations reach beyond academic discourse to impact real-world practices and underserved communities.
CBME faculty are active in publishing their work in high profile peer-reviewed journals and presenting at peer-reviewed professional conferences. Areas of focus include burn ethics and correctional medicine.
Pancho Nibungco, Clinical Ethicist
Amanda Booher, Clinical Ethicist
Mark Aulisio, Center Director and Susan E. Watson Professor and Chair of Bioethics
Monica L. Gerrek, Center Co-Director and Associate Professor
Marcie Lambrix, Center Research Supervisor, CBME and Clinical Ethicist
Ben Schwan, Assistant Professor of Bioethics and Clinical Ethicist
Oliver Schirokauer, Center Director of Medical Facilitation, Assistant Professor of Bioethics