The bioethics minor provides students planning to go into healthcare tools of ethical deliberation and communication. Unique classroom and practical experiences make them stand out to potential employers as people committed to patient autonomy and the principles of justice and beneficence. The minor features a unique partnership with the Novant Clinical Ethics Assembly that gives students the opportunity to participate in ethics committee meetings and to shadow clinical ethicists.
Selected Courses
Interfaith Competencies for Healthcare Pre-Health (IDS 300) – this course brings in people from different faith traditions working in healthcare and, in the end, helps you understand how much a patient’s faith matters in terms of their care.
Ethics Practicum (PHL 315) – you will attend meetings of the Novant Health Clinical Ethics Committee. This gives you first-hand experience with how healthcare professionals and clinical ethicists navigate real-world ethical challenges.
New course coming this fall – you will have the opportunity to do clinical ethics rounds with the head of Clinical Ethics at Novant, Gabriella Agostaro, Ph.D.!
Meet Chandler Lee ’25 and Kirsten Butte ’24
“Pursuing a minor in biomedical ethics has greatly contributed to my personal growth and my journey to dental school. It has shaped how I approach ethical challenges and will continue to guide me as a healthcare provider. My coursework in ethics and communication provided valuable insights that allowed me to engage in thoughtful discussions during my dental school interview. This knowledge and these experiences have helped me to identify a program that prioritizes ethical decision-making and aligns with my values as a future clinician.” – Chandler Lee ’25
“The bioethics minor is arguably one of the most important minors Queens offers if you are looking to go into research, nursing, or if you’re on a Pre-Med track. This minor includes courses such as health communication, biomedical ethics, and ethics practicum all of which help you shape your approach to medicine and human interactions. I developed many skills that will help me both in my personal and professional life, such simple ways to build a strong connection with people I may now know deeply. This minor was my first step in a long journey towards working to make the healthcare system more accessible to everyone, and I am very thankful I was able to complete it.” – Kirsten Butte ’24