The 20th annual Pediatric Bioethics Conference: “Narratives and Communication: Bridging Science, Stories, and Ethics in Pediatrics”

The 20th annual Pediatric Bioethics Conference—Narratives and Communication: Bridging  Science, Stories, and Ethics in Pediatrics—is a three-day conference to explore how communication impacts pediatric clinical care and research as well as the influence of narrative in shaping the ethical practice of pediatrics.

Join us for this year’s pediatric bioethics conference in exploring the intersection of narrative, communication and pediatric bioethics. On July 17,  we will explore the words we use in pediatric clinical care and research. Words can be used to convey empathy, demonstrate competence and encourage trust. This year, we will explore the science, theory and practice of how we communicate with our patients and families as we seek ways to improve patient experience through quality communication.

Speakers will explore questions such as:

• How can clinicians share decisions with parents?
• How can language choices encourage or prevent shared decision-making?
• Do family members other than parents have a role in pediatric decision-making?
• How can clinicians deliver bad news while ensuring patients don’t lose hope?
• Which method for studying communication is most accurate?
• How can the words we use both perpetuate and mitigate bias and stigma?
• How does the language we speak affect the way we think?

On July 18 to 19, we will explore questions related to the ethical implications of story-telling in pediatrics and the significance of narrative in clinical care and pediatric bioethics. Stories allow us to make sense  of and share perspectives, beliefs and  experiences.

Join us as we critically examine the relationship between narrative, pediatrics and bioethics, touching on topics such as:

• How do narratives shape the practice of pediatrics?
• What insights do narrative ethics provide?
• What are the limits of considering narrative?
• How can we support moral imagination?
• Who controls narratives?
• What is the role of truth in narrative?
• How do stories promote learning?

Early bird registration through June 8, 2025.

See registration for full pricing details.

Seattle Children’s nurses are able to register and attend the conference free of charge thanks to the generosity of our donors.

Do you have general questions about registration? Contact Emily Rice.

Questions about the Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics and Palliative Care? Contact Us.