The Bioethics Education program aims to promote a culture of ethically informed clinical decision-making and high ethical standards of clinical practice through a range of activities including:

• Professional development for hospital staff through an existing program of bioethics seminars, departmental meetings and grand rounds.
• Formal education through the development of an ethics component for existing education programs for junior medical staff, nursing and allied health staff.
• Input into bioethics, public health and other relevant subjects and programs at the University of Melbourne and in relevant Colleges and institutions.
  

Bioethics Forum & Seminar Series

The Bioethics Forum

The Bioethics Forum is an ad hoc ethics discussion group that meets to explore topics of interest to those involved in paediatric healthcare at The RCH, and local healthcare professionals. It is a relaxed, collegial get-together of individuals interested in reading and discussing challenging and fascinating ethical aspects of patient care. We offer a mix of curated topics each session, often sparked by a journal article, podcast or book chapter, presentations from CBC interns and those joining us on sabbaticals and overseas visitors (in the future!) on topics of interest. You remain welcome to bring along your lunch or breakfast to the meeting, and feel free to invite anybody who might be interested in coming along. If you would like to join our Bioethics Forum mailing list, please contact: bioethics@rch.org.au 

The Bioethics Seminar Series

The Bioethics Seminar is a way of connecting with bioethics enthusiasts more broadly. These events - convened from time to time- will run in a more presentation-style format presentations on topics of interest from CBC staff, interns and those joining us on sabbaticals and overseas visitors. We welcome topics and suggestions from all members of the mailing list, or a speaker who would like to give a relevant presentation. These events are open to all RCH staff and external Bioethics Seminar members, and will be offered both in-person and online via Teams. If you would like to be added to the list, to present or would like an issue discussed among your peers, please contact us at; bioethics@rch.org.au

2026 Forum and Seminar dates coming soon. 

Clinical Ethics Response Group and Clinical Ethics Committee Member Training

Annual ethics training workshops are run for members of the Clinical Ethics Response Group and Clinical Ethics Committee. 

Departmental Education

Ethics education sessions are available in person or using Zoom / Teams. We can fit in with your regular department meeting dates.

To make enquiries, please contact the bioethics team at bioethics@rch.org.au. 

Ethics for Clinical Practice (ECP) Program

The aim of the ECP program is to increase knowledge and confidence to engage in clinical ethics discussions and decision making. The course is open to all Children's Campus (RCH, MCRI, Uni Melb) allied health, medical, nursing and non-clinical staff with a cap of 25 attendees.

It consists of 3 study days over 4 weeks held on site at RCH. Staff will be required to use professional development leave with their manager approval to be paid for these days, and medical staff are requested to use CME.

Attendees are required at all three study days, 0830- 1630:

• Friday 16th October 2026
  
• Wednesday 28th October 2026
  
• Friday 6th November 2026

Registration open: Ethics in Clinical Practice (ECP) 2026 Tickets, RCH Foundation Room | TryBooking Australia

Essential Ethics podcast series

The Essential Ethics podcast series includes Ethics Toolkit, Classic Conundrums, Special COVID-19 Pandemic Ethics in a Children's Hospital and past Conferences. All are available on the Essential Bioethics podcast page.