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
New 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, 2025Postdoctoral Fellow Announcement: Join us July 2025-2027!
Postdoctoral Fellow: History of Modern (19th century-present) Medicine or Public Health Position Requirements: PhD in history of modern (19th century-present) medicine or public health or closely related field, geographic area and specialty open. All requirements …
February 25, 2025Why heat kills – Prof. Richard Keller examines a climate-induced global health crisis
Richard Keller, a professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, has studied the 2003 Paris heat wave that resulted in 15,000 deaths in France. His research indicates that social and behavioral factors, such as the routine …
February 6, 2025Auditions for a staged reading of Homo ex Machina
The Medical History and Bioethics Department at UW – Madison is putting on a staged reading of a new play, Homo Ex Machina, written and directed by Prof. Karola Kreitmair, as part of its 2025 …
January 23, 2025Launch of Collective for Humanism, Arts, and Storytelling in Medicine (CHASM)
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of The Collective for Humanism, Arts, and Storytelling in Medicine — a groundbreaking new website dedicated to showcasing the transformative impact of arts-based practices in healthcare. This vibrant platform …
September 10, 2024- More News posts
Department and Affiliated Events
- September
- September 11
- September 18
- September 25
- October
- October 2
- October 9
- October 10