CPMC Clinical Ethics Consultations

Dealing with disease can be difficult and emotional. Illness raises concerns that strike at the heart of personal values and goals. Resources are available to help you constructively navigate these challenging issues. Speak with a compassionate and experienced bioethics professional.

When illness strikes, patients, families and healthcare providers often face difficult and complex decisions. It is critical that any discussion about treatment options include a dialogue of one’s personal values and goals. That’s where a Clinical Ethics Consultation can help. The Program in Medicine and Human Values’ professionally trained bioethics consultants respond directly to consultation requests and provide practical recommendations regarding ethically appropriate care.

An ethics consultation can assist when:

You’re experiencing an ethical dilemma about your care or the care of a loved one.
You and your family or support network have conflicts around care goals.
You or a loved one are not able to make medical decisions and have no healthcare decision maker to act on your behalf.
You need help to identify a healthcare decision-maker proxy.
You, your loved one or a healthcare decision maker needs support or assistance in deciding about complex treatment choices.
You are facing a challenging healthcare situation that leads to distress or suffering.

All requests are confidential. Requestors may choose to remain anonymous.

To request a consultation, please email ethics@sutterhealth.org or use our Ethics Hotline (415) 600-3991.

Patient Information

Interested in the intersection of medicine and ethics? Here are some resources.

Provider Perspectives

The Program in Medicine and Human Values helps healthcare providers—and you—by offering support and guidance through challenging medical situations.

Stephanie Hsiao, M.D., Hospital Medicine, CPMC

“Debriefing sessions with the bioethicist on how to communicate with families were incredibly valuable. They helped frame each family meeting with clarity, honesty and compassion. It also helped me build confidence navigating these complex goals-of-care discussions.”

Diane Pege, M.D., Chief Medical Executive, Sutter Lakeside Hospital

“The bioethics team has helped reduce burnout in the doctors and nurses who work in our ICU. We feel supported by them, and they have empowered us to help our patients. It’s part of a great system that truly cares about the patient experience and the emotional and spiritual well-being of its caregivers.”

Rachael M. VanDeBogart, M.D., Hospital Medicine, Novato Community Hospital

“The ethics service is an invaluable resource as we take on increasingly complex patients. Our bioethicist has repeatedly worked through issues in a fair and compassionate manner. Families and patients appreciate the thorough assessment that takes place; they feel heard and validated.”

Bob Sypher, MSN, CNL, Director, ICU, Eden Medical Center

“The bioethicist’s expertise has allowed us to slowly change our culture and launch new and refreshing discussions regarding autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice–the ethical pillars of optimal conflict resolution and patient care.”