Anna Elsner

Prof. Anna Elsner is an Associate Professor of French Studies & Medical Humanities at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS-HSG) at the University of St. Gallen. Her research focuses on intersections between medical ethics, literature, and film, particularly regarding assisted dying, French philosophy, and palliative care narratives. She holds a BA in Philosophy and Modern Languages from Oxford University (2006).

Her work critically examines representations of death and dying in diverse media, including cinema, literature, and activism. Key interests include Marcel Proust’s exploration of mortality, bioethical debates in France, and the ethical dimensions of physician-assisted suicide. She has published analyses of films like 'Mar adentro' and 'Miele,' as well as literary works like Ana Estrada’s blog and Jean-Marie Lorand’s diary.

Elsner’s research also engages with global debates on euthanasia legality, disability rights, and palliative care access. She frequently collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, including artists and policymakers, to bridge theoretical and practical dimensions of medical humanities. Recent projects include studies on Canadian MAID law reforms and Dutch assisted-dying policies.

Her work has been featured in documentaries like 'The Death Debate' and academic analyses of legal cases such as María Benito’s constitutional appeal in Peru. She advocates for nuanced discussions on autonomy, dignity, and societal responsibility in end-of-life decisions.