Janice Firn, PhD, LMSW, HEC-C

Dr. Janice Firn is an accomplished educator and ethicist with extensive experience in ethics education and applied ethics. As a Clinical Associate Professor in Learning Health Sciences at the University of Michigan Medical School and Chief of Ethics Education at the Center for Bioethics & Social Sciences in Medicine, she has expertise in interprofessional ethics education, ICU ethics, and ethics consultation. Her career includes directing the Pre- and Post-Doctoral Clinical Ethics Fellowships, where she mentors future leaders in bioethics through immersive educational experiences.

Dr. Firn's research interests emphasize applied ethics, moral distress, resilience, and clinician self-care, with a strong focus on qualitative methods. Her work is widely recognized through multiple peer-reviewed publications, national and international presentations, and various awards, such as the ASBH Cornerstone Award.

She holds a PhD from Lancaster University, and master's degrees from the University of Michigan, for which she maintains active certifications in social work and healthcare ethics consultation. Her commitment to ethics education extends to her teaching roles across undergraduate and graduate levels, developing courses and leading seminars on professionalism, ethics, and palliative care.

Dr. Firn is deeply involved in professional service, contributing to various ethics and palliative care committees at institutional, regional, and national levels. Her collaborative approach and mentorship have significantly influenced medical and social work fields, equipping learners with the knowledge and skills to tackle complex ethical challenges in healthcare.

Dr. Firn’s research focuses on interprofessional education, collaboration, and decision making, and applied ethics. Her interests include clinical ethics with a focus on ethical issues in the ICU, palliative and end of life care, policy, moral distress, and qualitative methods research.