Jodi Halpern

Jodi Halpern advocates for research-driven practices in the fields of bioethics and medical humanities as an Associate Professor at the University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health and the Joint Medical Program. Her scholarly pursuits are deeply rooted in understanding the complex interplay between emotions and decision-making in healthcare. Halpern's work delves into the profound impact of empathy in medical practice, exploring how innovative technologies can reshape both individual experiences and societal norms. A prolific author, Halpern penned the influential book "From Detached Concern to Empathy: Humanizing Medical Practice," which has been pivotal in shifting perspectives within the medical community towards more empathetic patient care. Her ongoing projects include two forthcoming books, "Remaking the Self in the Wake of Illness" and "Engineering Empathy," which promise to further illuminate the transformative potential of empathy in healthcare settings. Halpern's expertise has been recognized on global platforms, notably when she was invited to present her research at the prestigious World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, during 2018-2020. Her presentations there underscored the critical role of empathy and ethical considerations in the development and implementation of new technologies in healthcare. Her research interests extend to the broader implications of innovative technologies, examining how they affect human emotions and societal structures. Halpern's work is instrumental in guiding ethical decision-making processes in healthcare, ensuring that technological advancements are aligned with humanistic values. Through her teaching and research, Halpern continues to inspire a new generation of healthcare professionals to integrate empathy and ethical considerations into their practice, fostering a more compassionate and effective healthcare system. Her contributions to the field are not only academic but also practical, influencing policy and practice in meaningful ways.