The Department of Medical History and Bioethics has risen since its inception in 1950, when the University of Wisconsin Medical School established the Department of the History of Medicine, becoming the nation’s second department of its kind. Since its founding in 1973, the Program in Medical Ethics has thrived as a core component of the department, evolving alongside the field of Bioethics.
Situated within the School of Medicine and Public Health and affiliated with departments across the Colleges of Letters and Sciences, our faculty are experts in their fields and dedicated educators, teaching students at all levels—from Undergraduates and Graduates to Medical Students, Residents, and Fellows. We also thrive in scholarly pursuits, publishing books, writing journal articles, directing films, and engaging in various research activities.
In line with the Wisconsin Idea, we are committed to service in diverse roles throughout the University. To learn more about our Department, please contact us here.
News
M1’s: Paths of Distinction Info Session
Paths of Distinction Info Session Join us to learn more about each of the Paths of Distinction to determine which is the best fit for you. 📅 Thursday, August 28, 2025 ⌚ 5:00-6:00pm 📍 HSLC 1335 …
August 19, 2025
Prof. Gregg Mitman Awarded Humane Order of African Redemption by the Republic of Liberia
The University of Wisconsin–Madison, the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, and the Department of Medical History and Bioethics are proud to share that Emeritus Professor Gregg Mitman was awarded the Humane Order of …
July 22, 2025
New Course Offering | Fall 2025 | Feminist Bioethics
New Graduate Course: MED HIST 747 – Feminist Bioethics Offered Fall 2025 | Online, Synchronous | 2 Credits Instructor: Dr. Karola Kreitmair (PhD, MSc, HEC-C) Course Overview How can feminist philosophy reshape our understanding of …
July 17, 2025Nicole Nelson interviewed by The Meta News: The work of metascientists will likely have unexpected effect
“The work of metascientists will likely have unexpected effects.” We’re excited to share this compelling new interview with Dr. Nicole Nelson in The Meta News, conducted during the 2025 Metascience Conference in London. In this …
July 9, 2025Congratulations to Dr. Paul Kelleher and Dr. Pablo F. Gómez: Promotion to Full!
We’re thrilled to share that Dr. Paul Kelleher and Dr. Pablo F. Gómez have both been promoted to Full Professor in the Department of Medical History and Bioethics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison! This milestone …
July 8, 2025New Interdisciplinary Course Bridges History and Health Equity Research
This fall, the School of Medicine and Public Health is proud to offer a new collaborative course, Health Disparities Research: Histories, Practices, and Methods, co-taught by two recently appointed faculty members whose work bridges the …
June 25, 2025MHB welcomes incoming postdoc, Dr. Sadie Bergen
This fall, we welcome Dr. Sadie Bergen as a postdoc in Medical History & Bioethics! Her work on NICUs, reproductive health, and public health ethics brings fresh insight—and furthers the Wisconsin Idea.
June 10, 2025Dr. Gretchen Schwarze featured on Palliatively Speaking Podcast
Dr. Gretchen Schwarze was featured on a new episode of Palliatively Speaking titled Better Conversations, Better Care. About the episode: This conversation explores the challenges and strategies involved in helping clinicians, particularly surgeons, improve their …
June 9, 2025
Bioethics Path of Distinction Featured in Latest SMPH Quarterly
The Spring 2025 issue of SMPH Quarterly highlights the Paths of Distinction (PoDs), a series of optional learning tracks that allow medical students to pursue deeper engagement in areas beyond the standard curriculum. Among the …
May 15, 2025Associate Professor J. Paul Kelleher’s published book: The Social Cost of Carbon: Ethics and the Limits of Climate Change Economics
Associate Professor J. Paul Kelleher’s book The Social Cost of Carbon: Ethics and the Limits of Climate Change Economics was published on March 4th. Called the “the most important number you’ve never heard of” by leading …
March 13, 2025- More News posts
Department and Affiliated Events
- November 2025
- November 12POD-B Event: "The Source of Morality"BLC: Prof. Russ Shafer-Landau5:30 PM, L150 Conrad A. Elvehjem Building
- November 18
- November 18
- December 2025
- December 11POD-B: “Bioethics Journal Club” Bioethics Learning Community Events : Led by Dr. Karola Kreitmair (co-Director of POD-B).12:00 PM, 2158 Health Sciences Learning Center
- April 2026
- April 23
- April 24
- April 25
- April 26