Einstein-Cardozo Bioethics Graduate Education

 

 

 

 

Dear Friends of Montefiore-Einstein Bioethics,

I write with the sad news that John Arras, one of the original faculty of the Certificate Program in Bioethics, died on March 9, 2015. Anyone who had the privilege of observing John teach will recall his ready wit, his warm smile and his uncanny ability to engage students in the study of ethical issues in medicine. After leaving Montefiore, he directed the undergraduate bioethics program at University of Virginia,for many years and with great acclaim. His illustrious career also included assignments to President Obama’s Commission for the Study of Ethical Issues, consultation to CDC and NIH on bioethics issues, and numerous scholarly writings. Still, his greatest gift and joy was in teaching. Consider his quote below, from the University of Virginia Magazine, Spring, 2014:

“I see myself as being in the business of helping students become who they are going to become. I love being around young people, prodding them, arguing with them. There is a Socratic element to it, an intense connection between the teacher and student. It’s a kind of secular blessedness, to love what you do over a very long stretch of time. That’s as good as it gets.”

John Arras will be deeply missed. He made a real impact for good on the lives of many students and colleagues, which was for him, as good as it gets.

Tia Powell, M.D.
Director, Einstein-Cardozo Master of Science in Bioethics