Amanda Allshouse, MS, is a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Utah. Her interest in the Graduate Certificate in Bioethics and Humanities in Health (BEHH) began after collaborating with ethicists on studies focused on informed medical decision‑making.
Bringing the human dimension into research
“I could tell that I was missing something,” she said. “I work closely with teams who provide patient care in very challenging situations. In research, we commonly discuss study outcomes which would be devastating to experience as patients at the individual level.”
After a bit of external reading, Allshouse mentioned to her chair that this sparked an interest and was encouraged to pursue coursework. That is when she found the certificate program and applied immediately. After starting the certificate, she developed a greater capacity for honoring the experience of the patient and provider in difficult situations.
Holding space for the unknown
“As a biostatistician, often the work involves quantifying uncertainty,” Allshouse said. “With bioethics I learned different frameworks for considering what should be done in the face of uncertainty. Through heath humanities, I learned to question ways of knowing, thereby perhaps embracing uncertainty.”
The humanities also helped Allshouse consider how her work is one detailed piece of any picture, with other perspectives or methods providing a wider view. In her first semester, Allshouse and two other students selected a final project exploring the ethical issues around stopping eating and drinking for people with dementia with advance directives. She entered the project with strong opinions. By the time it ended, she came away with a greater appreciation for the challenges—which for Allshouse were also personal.
“My father had been receiving dementia related care from hospice for 18 months. When he passed away during the semester, work on the project helped with my grief leading up to and after his passing. Gaining a broader understanding of healthcare worker perspectives, and challenges around advance directives helped align what I needed in both my personal and professional life,” she said.
Leading with values to collaborate with confidence
Other moments of the program that most resonated with Allshouse were reminders of the importance of living authentically, and reflecting on one’s personal values. “I learned to find a sort of harmony between values and work as a way to avoid burnout and flourish,” she reflected. “Our coursework emphasizes this for healthcare providers, but it is applicable to everyone, even the biostatistician in the room.”
Allshouse is currently reaching the end of the certificate. Moving forward, she feels that the readings, discussions, lectures, and coursework have made her a stronger collaborator. While Allshouse will always be keeping an eye out for new learning opportunities, the knowledge she's gained has given her the confidence to work with colleagues to explore opportunities for further research in bioethics.
What would she say to another student who is considering enrolling in the certificate?
"Absolutely you should do it! Everyone should consider taking at least one course from the Certificate in Bioethics and Humanities in Health– and I imagine that after one course each person will want to complete the certificate.”
Learn more about the certificate
RSVP to join us for our Virtual Open House on April 28, from 4:30–6:00 p.m.
Meet faculty, ask questions about curriculum and admissions, and explore whether the certificate could support your next step. Attendees will also receive an application fee waiver to apply to the program.
Application deadline is June 29 for fall enrollment.
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