Mission and Goals

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A variety of ethical challenges can arise in the increasingly complex and fast-paced environment of pediatric health care and clinical research. As pediatric psychologists, we have a unique opportunity to contribute to the ethical debate related to these challenges, through our clinical expertise and empirical research. In particular, the field of pediatric bioethics can be enhanced by the application of psychological science to the empirical study of pediatric bioethics and to ethical dilemmas that arise in the course of clinical care and research. Pediatric psychologists with an interest in bioethics often find themselves operating in multidisciplinary settings (e.g., ethics committees, IRB boards, medical teams, research teams), with exposure to a rich diversity of perspectives related to ethical issues.  However, we would also benefit from access to a network of pediatric psychologists with clinical and/or research interests related to bioethics. This Bioethics SIG will provide a forum to discuss challenges, share ideas and resources, and pursue collaborative relationships with a community of other pediatric psychologists.

The specific goals of this SIG are:

1. Promote a network of researchers and clinicians with an interest in pediatric bioethics.
2. Share and distribute resources related to pediatric bioethics.
3. Raise awareness of the broader SPP community of (1) empirical research in pediatric bioethics and implications for clinical practice and research conduct, and (2) strategies for addressing ethical dilemmas that arise in clinical and research settings.

Leadership

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Heather Ciesielski
Bioethics SIG co-Chair

Kate Eshleman
Bioethics SIG co-Chair