Billy's research focuses on the decision-making process for pediatric tracheostomy and long-term ventilation, particularly for parents of children who are chronically critically ill or have neurologic impairment. A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the neck to provide long-term respiratory support. These decisions are complex and deeply impactful, affecting both the child’s medical care and the family's quality of life. Billy’s work, as part of the HomeVENT group, involves interviewing families and using qualitative analysis to identify key themes in their decision-making processes. As the site principal investigator for a multi-site study, he explored how decision tools like the website family-reflections.com can assist families in understanding the potential benefits and burdens of long-term ventilation, empowering them to make informed, value-driven choices
Billy’s research in normative ethics within pediatric critical care covers a range of complex and pressing issues:
brain death
care of children with chronic critical illness
use of life-sustaining medical technology
end-of-life decision-making
bias and inequalities
artificial intelligence in medicine
Billy's research in animal welfare and ethics focuses on the responsible keeping of reptiles and amphibians in captivity. He is interested in ensuring that the welfare of these animals is prioritized in herpetoculture practices, whether for conservation, science, or pet trade. In addition to his work on human medical ethics, Billy has collaborated with veterinarians to explore the similarities and differences in communication and ethical challenges between pediatric and veterinary medicine. This interdisciplinary approach enriches his understanding of ethics across species.