DO/MA in Bioethics

Why Bioethics?

Doctors today face a range of challenges—things like access to care, ineffective treatments, health disparities and the overall state of population health. But the biggest obstacles? Navigating the tough ethical questions that come with every decision. Whether it’s balancing patient autonomy with medical advice, making calls when the answer isn’t clear or tackling tough issues like end-of-life care and health care equity, doctors are constantly making choices that require deep thought and moral consideration.

This is where bioethics comes into play. It gives health care professionals the tools to navigate complex topics like stem cell research, genetic engineering, public policy and clinical ethics consultation. By diving into bioethics, you'll be better prepared to make decisions that put your patients' values and well-being first, ensuring that every choice you make is centered on their needs and care.

DO/Master of Arts in Bioethics Concurrent Degree Program 

The DO/MA in Bioethics at the Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCU-COM) takes about 44 months and is perfect for osteopathic medical students who want to earn a joint degree.

Students have told us that the program’s workload is manageable alongside the demands of the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program. In fact, many have said that bioethics offers a refreshing shift from the biomedical sciences and clinical skills focus of their DO studies. It’s a chance to reconnect with the human side of medicine.

Admissions Requirements

• Maintain good academic standing within KCU-COM.
• Submit an application along with a brief essay outlining your interest in pursuing the Bioethics Program.
• First-year students must submit their applications by December 1.

Our Faculty 

We’re lucky to have some truly amazing faculty in the Department of Bioethics. Full-time department members include:

	Aaron E. Segal, PhD Assistant Professor of Bioethics 816-654-7235 [email protected]
	James Hearn, JD, LLM, MAT, DBioethics, MPH, DMin  Assistant Professor of Bioethics 417-208-0774 [email protected]

Our part-time faculty come from some of the top health care institutions and schools, bringing a wealth of real-world experience and expertise to the classroom: