Fellowship Program
The fellowships provide an opportunity for clinicians and others to return to the University setting in order to explore ethical issues that arise in the everyday practice of contemporary medicine. Throughout the year, fellows participate in a weekly seminar led by faculty of the Division of Medical Ethics and the Department of Social Medicine, while working closely with a single faculty member to develop and implement original research in a particular area of interest, that is intended to result in a publishable paper. Graduates of the fellowship program have, among other things, taken leadership roles in developing clinical ethics programs at affiliated hospitals and other clinical centers, thus furthering the Division’s reach and influence. Working jointly with other faculties and programs, such as the Program in Ethics and the Professions, will further expand fellowship opportunities, taking full advantage of the resources of the University.
How to Apply for 2009-2010
The Division of Medical Ethics at Harvard Medical School supports research and teaching on ethical issues in medicine, health, and healthcare policy and practice. The Fellowship in Medical Ethics is open to physicians, nurses, lawyers, social workers, and others in academic fields related to medicine or health with a serious academic interest in medical ethics and a wish to further their knowledge of the philosophical, social, historical, and political aspects of contemporary medical practice.
Fellows attend a weekly three hour seminar designed to explore a wide range of issues in medical ethics, including ethical theory, clinical ethics, research ethics, and selected topics in public health ethics. Most weeks there is extensive reading and a brief paper. During the year, fellows participate in the intellectual life of the Division of Medical Ethics and are eligible to participate in Harvard University courses with permission of the instructor as well as monthly division Faculty Seminars and various public programs sponsored by the Division.
Fellows must have external salary support. The fellowship fee is $3,500. Most Fellows receive this support from their sponsoring institutions, and The Division of Medical Ethics will assist applicants who would like help approaching their sponsoring institutions with such a request.
Fellows are selected on the basis of their previous academic achievement and the contribution they are likely to make as researchers, clinicians, and teachers in medical ethics. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae and a letter of not more than 750 words, describing the reasons for their interest in the Fellowship, including any particular topics or questions they are most interested in exploring. This letter is an opportunity for applicants to tell us about themselves, their interests, and their motivations in pursuing training in medical ethics. Applicants should also provide two letters of reference and a third letter from their supervisor or key senior staff person, demonstrating institutional support for the candidate’s involvement in the HMS Fellowship and likely opportunities the candidate will have to contribute to bioethics at their home institution, upon completion of the Fellowship.
Deadline for submission of application materials is April 6, 2009.
Three copies of all application materials should be sent to:
Dr. Mildred Solomon, Fellowship Director
c/o Helena Martins
Harvard Medical School
Division of Medical Ethics
651 Huntington Ave, FXB 6th Flr
Boston, MA 02115
If you have any questions please contact Helena Martins or 617-432-3041.