The old maxim in pediatric medicine is that “children are not little adults,” and this idea is as true in ethics as it is in clinical medicine. The ethical relationship between patient and physician shifts in pediatrics to include the parent(s)/guardian(s) and the family because children often cannot make informed decisions for themselves and depend on their parents or guardians emotionally and financially. This ECHO session will invite participants to explore the nuances of ethical decision-making in pediatrics and to think critically about the limits of parental authority.

October 4, 2023 – Parent-Child Conflict and the Best Interest Standard
Presenter: Caroline Anglim, Ph.D. HEC-C, Assistant Professor of Bioethics and Professionalism, Mercer University School of Medicine

October 18, 2023 – Case Presentation
Presenter: Jessica Roumillat, MA, LCSW, HEC-C, Program Manager, Integrated Ethics, Children’s Health (Dallas, TX)

November 1, 2023 – Pediatric Assent and Mature/Capacitated Minors
Presenter: Brian Childs, M.Div. Ph.D. HEC-C, Professor of Bioethics and Medical Humanities, Mercer University School of Medicine

Although health care providers have long experienced stress in the workplace, the COVID-19 pandemic ignited a new awareness and public concern about clinician distress. This ECHO session will explore the causes and symptoms of moral injury, burnout, and substance use disorders among health care providers. Participants will discuss possible strategies for confronting these issues in their institutions.

January 10, 2024 – Moral Injury in the Clinic
Presenter: Caroline Anglim, Ph.D. HEC-C, Assistant Professor of Bioethics and Professionalism, Mercer University School of Medicine

January 24, 2024 – Burnout and the Patient-Physician Relationship in Modern Medicine
Presenter: Donald E. Carter, III, MBA, MDiv, DBe, Assistant Professor of Bioethics and Professionalism, Mercer University School of Medicine

February 7, 2024 – Substance Use Disorder Among Health Care Providers
Presenter: Brian Childs, M.Div. Ph.D. HEC-C, Professor of Bioethics and Medical Humanities, Mercer University School of Medicine

The incredible developments in organ donation and transplantation medicine have led to miraculous stories of recovery and success, and yet the stories behind those stories are often ones of pain, long waits, uncertain recoveries, and loss. This ECHO session is co-sponsored by the Carlos and Marguerite Mason Center for Organ Donation and Transplant Education and Policy, which will bring together experts to educate Georgia healthcare professionals on the needs, processes, and barriers to successful transplantations in Georgia.

March 6, 2024 – Introduction to Ethical Issues in Organ Donation and Transplantation
Presenter: Donald E. Carter, III, MBA, MDiv, DBe, Assistant Professor of Bioethics and Professionalism, Mercer University School of Medicine

March 20, 2024 – Basics of Organ Donation
Presenter: Kim Kottemann, MBA, Director, Professional Programs and Transplant Center Relations, LifeLink of Georgia

April 3, 2024 – The Underserved and Organ Donation and Transplantation
Presenter: Bobby Howard, Director, Multicultural Donation Education Program, LifeLink of Georgia

April 17, 2024 – The UNOS Overhaul and New Federal Legislation
Presenters: Melodie Hengerer, JD, Shareholder, Baker Donelson
Karen Kennedy, RN, MSN, Vice President External Affairs and Education, Infinite Legacy (OPO of Maryland and Metro Washington, D.C.)