Ethicist, physician, truth teller, author 

Photo by Steve Fisch

Dr. Alyssa Burgart is a multifaceted board-certified anesthesiology physician and bioethicist. She has two decades of experience working on the toughest bioethics issues facing patients and clinicians.

Dr. Burgart (she/her/they/them) is a distinguished figure in clinical bioethics, with a career spanning over two decades dedicated to addressing ethical issues throughout the human lifespan. Recognized internationally, she has become synonymous with advocacy in children and teens' rights, disability justice, reproductive justice, and the ethical dimensions of vaccination. Her unique blend of medical expertise and ethical insight positions her as a leading authority available for speaking engagements, lectures, and interviews.

A Voice For Bioethics

Dr. Burgart is a prolific speaker, engaging audiences globally at leading conferences, academic institutions, hospital systems, and biotechnology companies. 

Her scholarly contributions grace the pages of prestigious journals such as JAMA and the American Journal of Bioethics. Moreover, her work has influenced WHO guidance on AI in pediatric healthcare and informed California state's Covid policies.

Social Media and Public Engagement

Under the moniker BurgartBioethix, she is an active voice on social media, fostering public dialogue on pressing ethics issues. This direct engagement reflects her dedication to broadening the understanding of bioethics beyond the academic and professional spheres.

Alyssa donated her time to film “I Am Human” to call attention to sexual harassment in medicine. She performs her songs centering on the experiences of healthcare workers in various arenas.

Current Roles and Clinical Expertise

Currently, Dr. Burgart serves as a Clinical Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, Perioperative & Pain Medicine, and Pediatrics (By Courtesy) at Stanford University School of Medicine, where she is also the Medical Director of the Ethics Service and Physician Co-Chair of the Ethics Committee at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. Her partnerships in creating both the Ethics Liaison Program and Moral Distress Rounds, serve to improve the professional fulfillment of hospital staff facing profound ethical dilemmas and moral injury. 

Her pediatric anesthesiology practice focuses on abdominal organ transplantation. Her dedication to trauma-informed principles makes her a highly sought anesthesiologist for families with children with unique care needs related to communication. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous awards in pediatric bioethics and clinical excellence.

Your Bioethics Navigator

Beyond academic circles, Dr. Burgart is committed to demystifying bioethics for the public. Her incisive opinion pieces have appeared in The Washington Post, USA Today, SLATE, and Ms. Magazine, making complex ethical issues accessible and engaging. Her insights are sought after in various media, including print, TV, radio, and podcasts, with features in Forbes, Business Insider, and Los Angeles Magazine

Professional Journey

Dr. Burgart's foray into bioethics began at the University of Judaism, where she delved into both Jewish and secular bioethics, culminating in a Bachelor's degree summa cum laude. Her path took a practical turn at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where her role as a bioethics assistant unveiled the intricate ties between ethics, philosophy, human suffering, and healthcare. Her work took her to UCSF’s Human Research Protections Program where she developed significant expertise in research ethics and regulations. These foundational bioethics experiences propelled her to Loyola University Chicago, where she simultaneously earned her medical degree and Master's in Bioethics and Health Policy.

Invitation to Collaborate

Dr. Burgart's unparalleled expertise in bioethics, combined with her dynamic presence as a speaker and commentator, makes her an ideal candidate for leading discussions, delivering keynote speeches, and participating in interviews on a range of ethical issues. Organizations and institutions seeking to illuminate the ethical dimensions of healthcare and policy are encouraged to reach out to Dr. Burgart for collaboration.

Current Roles

  • Associate Director for Pediatric Ethics, Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics

  • Medical Director, Ethics Service at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health

  • Member, Committee on Reproductive Health Access & Equity. Subgroup on Clinical Care, Stanford University

  • Affiliate Faculty, Stanford Program in Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

  • Digital Media Editor, Bioethics Today

  • Associate Editor, American Journal of Bioethics

  • Committee on Bioethics, American Society of Anesthesiologists

  • Career Development Task Force, American Society for Bioethics and Humanities

Experience & Education

  • University of Judaism (American Jewish University)

    B.A. in Bioethics

    summa cum laude

  • Loyola University Chicago

    Medical Degree with Honors in Bioethics

    Masters Degree in Bioethics and Health Policy

    Resident, Anesthesiology

    Chief Resident (2013-2014)

  • Stanford University

    Fellowship, Pediatric Anesthesiology

Awards

  • American Medical Women’s Association

    Leadership Council 2023 Inspire Award

  • Stanford Children's 2022 Impact Award

    Stanford Medicine Children's Health

  • Doximity Most Press Mentions

    2022

Certifications & Boards

Professional Organizations