Certificate Program

Application criteria

• The program is designed for experienced child health professionals. Generally, that means that people have been clinically active in their discipline for at least 3-5 years.
  
  
• We favor people who have already shown an interest in bioethics and who are actively engaged in activities at their home institution. This could mean involvement in a hospital ethics committee, IRB, teaching ethics or other discipline/inter-disciplinary ethics activities. Applications should explain the nature of their involvement.
  
  
• We favor people who, in their application, explain how they plan to use the expertise that they gain through the program. This could mean that they will take a leadership role at their institution, that they will teach, or that they are interested in research and writing about particular topics.
  
  
• We like to see that there is institutional support for bioethics. In letters of support, we look for evidence that the applicants may take on a larger role in the institution in the future.

Application eligibility requirements

• Earned bachelor’s degree.
  
  
• Proficiency with the English language and excellent communication skills.
  
  
• Access to a high-speed internet connection and willingness to engage in distance learning (and receive additional training as needed).
  
  
• Experience with pediatrics in a clinical, research and/or policy/administrative setting.
  
  
• Experience and interest in pediatric bioethics.

Application process

Applications are accepted for the nine-month term beginning September 2026 and concluding May 2026.

Tuition rates for the nine-month interdisciplinary program are as follows:

• Physician applicants: $12,000
• Non-physician applicants: $8,000

Please note: We will honor the 2024 tuition rate of $10,000 for physicians that successfully apply by the priority deadline of Wednesday, January 15, 2025. In addition, we will be offering two Fellow-in-Training competitive Scholarships (reduced tuition of $7,500) for physician trainees this year.

Applicants must cover travel expenses to Kansas City for the opening and closing sessions in September 2025 and May 2026.

How to apply

1. Carefully review the Children’s Mercy Bioethics Center Certificate in Pediatric Bioethics website.
   
   
2. Complete and submit Children’s Mercy Bioethics Center Certificate Program Application. Any technical questions should be directed to Administrative Director Vanessa Watkins at vswatkins@cmh.edu.
   
   
3. When completing the application, include the following:
   
   
   • A personal statement: one page, single-spaced, 12 point font, one-inch margins. Your statement can answer questions such as “Why do you want to pursue this program? What is your experience in bioethics and pediatrics? What do you plan to do with your training following the program? What institutional support is in place to help you be successful? What attributes do you have that distinguish you as a good candidate?”
     
     
   • Names and contact information of two people, who we will contact for letters of recommendation to complete your application. The recommender will receive an email from the Bioethics Center to send the email with the letter of recommendation. Letters are typically written by the applicant’s supervisors, colleagues, or professors.
     
     
   • A resume/curriculum vitae is required.

For more information, please contact Vanessa Watkins at (816) 731-7207 or vswatkins@cmh.edu or cmbc@cmh.edu. We look forward to receiving your application!