Research Interests

Paul J. Ford, PhD conducts research at the intersection of ethics, neuroscience, and clinical practice. His work explores how ethical theory, empirical methods, and patient perspectives can inform better treatment, research design, and policy in neurological care.

He is particularly focused on the practical, day-to-day ethical challenges that arise in neurosurgery and neurological research, and he leads efforts to embed ethical reflection directly into clinical and research workflows at Cleveland Clinic.

Core Areas of Research

Clinical Neuroethics

Dr. Ford has contributed to over 2,500 ethics consultations, offering insight into real-time ethical dilemmas faced by patients, families, clinicians, and researchers. His clinical ethics work is grounded in direct experience and supports both inpatient and outpatient neurology and neurosurgery cases.

Research Ethics in Neuroscience

He leads the Neuroethics Program and oversees the ethics core for neuroscience studies at Cleveland Clinic. In this role, he supports investigators in:

  • Developing ethical frameworks for study design
  • Integrating participant perspectives
  • Navigating consent, risk, and communication challenges
  • Ensuring inclusion and equity in research practices

Device-based Interventions

Dr. Ford’s research frequently addresses ethical complexities related to:

  • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
  • Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS)
  • High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
  • Emerging neuromodulation technologies

He explores patient decision-making, identity, autonomy, and quality of life as they relate to these interventions, often using qualitative methods and case-based inquiry.

Methodological Focus

  • Qualitative research, including interviews, case studies, and narrative analysis
  • Empirical bioethics, bridging ethics theory with real-world data
  • Embedded ethics, integrating ethics support directly into research teams and clinical programs

Community and Equity Engagement

Dr. Ford’s research also extends into community-based ethics education and advocacy for equity in research participation. He works with local neighborhoods in Cleveland to improve trust, inclusion, and ethical awareness around medical research and access to care.

Selected Speaking Engagements

Dr. Ford has been invited to present his work to a range of audiences, including:

  • The Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues
  • The Institute of Medicine’s Board on Health Sciences Policy
  • The Neuroethics Network at the Cambridge-ICM Brain and Spine Institute