Center for Surgical Ethics

Center for Surgical Ethics

Seattle Skyline at dusk

Center for Surgical Ethics

MISSION

To improve the health of the public by promoting the highest standards of ethical care in surgery.

The Center for Surgical Ethics was established under the direction of Department of Surgery Henry N. Harkins Professor and Chair, Douglas E. Wood, MD, in collaboration with Center Director, Alberto Ferreres, MD, PhD, FACS (Hon.), ASA (Hon.). The center aims to elevate the ethical delivery of surgical care and promote education and scholarship within and beyond UW Medicine.

 

GOALS OF THE CENTER

  • Promotion of cultural awareness as it related to both common and unique ethical issues and situations in the surgical setting.
  • Advancement of academic scholarship and outcomes-based research in Surgical Ethics.
  • Fostering educational opportunities, including the development of a multi-level educational program in Surgical Ethics.
  • Develop and implement educational programs for graduate medical education.

ABOUT US

CENTER LEADERSHIP

Dr. Alberto Ferreres

Alberto Ferreres, MD, PhD, FACS (Hon.), ASA (Hon.)

Professor of Surgery, University of Buenos Aires, Chairman, Department of General Surgery, "Dr. Carlos A. Bocalandro" Hospital

Denise Dudzinski, PhD, HEC-C

Professor (Joint), Bioethics & Humanities and Pediatrics, Division of Bioethics & Palliative Care, Chief, UW Medicine Ethics Consultation Service, Organizational Ethics Consultation Service, Seattle Children's

Douglas E. Wood, MD, FACS, FRCSEd

Henry N. Harkins Professor and Chair, Department of Surgery

Andrew S. Wright, MD

Professor, Division of General Surgery & Center for Video Endoscopic Surgery Endowed Professor

CENTER ADMINISTRATION

Maggie Latham

Surgical Ethics Conference Coordinator

Advancing Ethical Excellence in Surgical Practice

8th Annual Surgical Ethics Conference | September 1–2, 2026

The 8th Annual Surgical Ethics Conference returns September 1–2, 2026, offering a dynamic, two-day program designed to strengthen ethical decision-making in today’s complex surgical environment. This highly regarded event brings together surgeons, trainees, educators, and healthcare professionals for meaningful dialogue, practical learning, and professional growth.

Focused on real-world application, the conference goes beyond theory to provide participants with actionable tools for navigating ethical challenges in clinical practice and surgical education.

What to Expect

Participants will experience a rich and engaging program featuring:

  • Specialty-specific discussions addressing ethical challenges across diverse surgical fields
  • Interactive, small-group sessions encouraging multidisciplinary perspectives and collaboration
  • Flexible participation options, including both in-person and virtual attendance
  • Expert-led lectures from leaders in surgical ethics
  • On-demand (asynchronous) content for convenient, self-paced learning
  • Trainee-led presentations that promote inquiry, reflection, and ethical leadership

Explore the full conference lineup and session topics (PDF)

Special Recognition

The conference will feature presentation of the Surgical Ethics Lifetime Award, honoring individuals who have made exceptional, lasting contributions to the field. Past recipients include distinguished leaders such as Drs. E. Christopher Ellison and Carlos Pellegrini.

Who Should Attend

This conference is ideal for:

  • Practicing surgeons
  • Medical educators
  • Residents and fellows
  • Healthcare leaders and professionals interested in ethics

Join a vibrant professional community committed to advancing ethical excellence in surgical care.

Register Today

2026 Surgical Ethics Conference registration

 

For questions or additional information, please contact:
dosadmin@uw.edu
206-543-3680

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