Dr. Michael M. Burgess

Job title and general description

Professor and (research) Chair in Biomedical Ethics at the W. Maurice Young Centre for Applied Ethics, UBC. http://www.ethics.ubc.ca

My research and courses focus on ethical and social issues related to science in our society. Several research projects currently underway are related to policy and ethics in genomic. Genome Canada and Genome British Columbia help to fund research in this area through a set of projects under the heading of GE3LS - Genomics: Ethics, Environment, Economics, Law and Society. For example, in ‘Democracy, Ethics and Genomics’ we evaluated various methods of engaging the public on ethical issues in the field of genomics. Other GE3LS projects work within genome science projects. For example, projects on salmon genomics, forestry and human genomics have GE3LS research within them.

One of our newest projects is, ‘Building a GE3LS Architecture (GE3LS Arc)’. We will be looking at how the opinions of the public can be better informed about science and other citizens’ views, as well as taken into consideration by scientists and policy makers.

What specific skills and qualities are needed to do your job?

Training in ethics and social sciences are essential in my field of study. As my work involves interdisciplinary collaborations, it is also important to be open minded and able to work with people that may have different points of view. In order to understand and mediate between people with opposing views, good listening skills and critical thinking are extremely important. When reviewing an issue it is very important not to consider only your own opinions but to look at things as broadly as possible.

What do you like most about your work?

I enjoy working with the very creative and practical people who are attracted to working across disciplines to find useful responses to difficult issues. There is never a shortage of interesting topics and people so my work never gets boring.

What don’t you like about your job?

I don’t like being mistaken for “ethics police” or as someone who will tell people what to do or what is right or wrong. I am really interested in what people think makes something right or wrong. At times, the amount of bureaucracy associated with ethics setting can be frustrating.

Where do you see your career going from here?
The social or ethical issues associated with health care and biotechnology provide plenty of room for taking advantage of collaborative and funding opportunities to work on problems that are of broader social relevance. I don’t need to go far for a continual supply of interesting problems and colleagues

What is the range in salary that comes with your job?

Lots of ethics is done for free, but the salary range for full time employment with a Ph.D. starts around $40,000 and runs up to a full professor’s salary of $90,000 or more.

When did you know you wanted to work in sciences?

Scientists have always been absolutely critical to my work. I have managed to respect and collaborate with them without ever wishing to be one.

What is your educational background? Degrees? Specific courses?

I have an undergraduate degree in philosophy and religion. My MA and Ph.D. are in philosophy, with a concentration in health care ethics and a minor in sociology.

What was your favorite course(s) and why?

It was probably too long ago to remember, but probably one of several taught by a feminist sociologist, Sue Fisher. She helped me begin to grasp that I can never really understand what it is like to walk in someone else’s shoes, but that it is so very important to consider their claims and how best to fairly engage them

What other hobbies and interests do you have?

We raise llamas, hike, cook, and fly fish

Do you have any advice for young people thinking about getting into your line of work?

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