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Kelstan Ellis, D.O., M.S.-CR., M.A., FAAP

Associate Professor – UMKC

University of Missouri Kansas City


Dr. Kelstan Ellis, DO, MS-CR, MBE, is a prominent figure in the field of palliative care and bioethics, serving as a dedicated physician and leader at both Children’s Mercy Kansas City and the University of Kansas Health System. She earned her medical degree and a Master's in Bioethics from Kansas City University (KCU). Dr. Ellis furthered her education with a Master’s in Clinical Research from the University of Kansas (KU), underscoring her commitment to advancing both medical practice and ethical considerations in healthcare.

Following her foundational education, Dr. Ellis completed a residency in pediatrics and a fellowship in palliative care at the KU. Her clinical expertise spans a wide array of areas within palliative care, with particular interests in the ethical dimensions of palliative care, perinatal palliative care, and caring for children with complex medical needs. Her leadership roles include serving as the Vice-chair of the ethics committee at Children’s Mercy Kansas City and as the chair of the pediatric ethics subcommittee of the hospital ethics committee at University of Kansas Health System.

Dr. Ellis is recognized for her compassionate approach to patient care, emphasizing dignity and quality of life for pediatric patients and their families facing challenging medical conditions. Her dual expertise in palliative care and bioethics positions her at the forefront of decision-making processes that navigate complex medical, ethical, and emotional landscapes. Through her clinical practice, research, and leadership, Dr. Kelstan Ellis continues to make significant contributions to the field of pediatric palliative care and bioethics, ensuring comprehensive and compassionate care for her patients.

Dr. Ellis discloses that she has no relevant financial relationships with any organization producing, marketing, reselling, or distributing health care goods or services consumed by, or used on, patients relative to the content of this presentation.

Dr. Ellis can be reached at klellis1@cmh.edu.

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