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
In Memoriam, Dr. Guenter B. Risse, M.D., Ph.D.
It is with deep sadness that the Department of Medical History and Bioethics shares news of the passing of Professor Guenter B. Risse. He died peacefully at home on February 15, 2026, following a long …
February 25, 2026
Honoring Professor Emeritus Ronald L. Numbers
Honoring Professor Emeritus Ronald L. Numbers On Monday, our department Chair, Richard Keller, read the Memorial Resolution honoring Professor Emeritus Ronald L. Numbers, who passed away on July 24, 2023, at age 81. Ron Numbers …
February 4, 2026
Dr. Gómez Publishes Bloody Numbers with University of Chicago Press
We’re proud to celebrate our colleague Dr. Pablo F. Gómez on the publication of his groundbreaking new book, Bloody Numbers: The Early Atlantic Slave Trade and the Invention of Modern Corporeality (University of Chicago Press). …
January 21, 2026
Professor Robert Streiffer’s Photography Featured on PNAS Cover
Professor Robert Streiffer’s photograph of a hibernating 13-lined ground squirrel has been selected as the cover image for The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). The image illustrates research by Matthew Regan et …
January 7, 2026M1’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, 2025- More News posts
Department and Affiliated Events
- April
- April 20"(Dis)enrolling pediatric patients whose parents refuse important childhood vaccinations"A point/counterpoint dialogue 5:00 PM, 1345 Health Sciences Learning Center
- April 22Patient’s Final Records, Lasting ImpactDeath Certificate 10112:00 PM, 1220 Health Sciences Learning Center
Also offered online - April 23Public Health Under Attack: Continuity, Discontinuity, and HistoryBioethics Public Lecture Event4:00 PM, 22 Ingraham Hall
- April 24
- April 25
- April 26
- May
- May 8Moral-Epistemic Dilemmas: The Case of Gender in Medical Diagnosis Bioethics Public Lecture Event11:00 AM, Online