Medical Studies (BS)

Examines health care delivery systems internationally and explores contemporary issues affecting the institutions that provide health care and the people who seek health services. Covers the historical development of international health care systems, the organization and financing of systems of care, and the policy process and priority setting. Also covers current efforts at health care reform. Provides students with the necessary professional skills to be effective participants in efforts to evaluate and improve the delivery of health care nationally and internationally.

Covers health care systems in the United States with an emphasis on historical development through governance and civic engagement. Evaluates health care delivery and financing through a decision-making framework, while exploring social determinants of health through the lens of cost, quality and access to care.

Examines how culture influences health, health care practices, barriers to health care, interactions with health care professionals and health disparities in both global and domestic contexts. Addresses the need for cultural competence among health practitioners.

Focuses on communicating topics related to health through an examination of theoretical frameworks, communication techniques, and different technologies including eheatlh and mhealth. Addresses communication through channels that promote the health of individuals and communities. Topics may include clinician to client communication, peer to peer communication, health literacy, health in the media, and effective public health communication.

History of medicine in the modern world and its relationship to contemporary issues in medicine with emphasis on the broader context of ways in which technology, personalized medicine, genomics, ethical issues and shared decision making between patients and providers have evolved.

Integrates the theory and practice of ethics within health-related disciplines and the application of bioethics by health science professionals, including health disparities.

Biostatistics and its use in health and health services research. Familiarizes students with statistical concepts and methods to analyze and interpret data and conceptually addresses statistical theory. Introduces Excel software to manage data and perform statistical tests.

Leadership, leadership theory and inter-professionalism in practice. Applies didactic content to case studies and activities designed to promote critical thinking and effective teamwork. Solidifies concepts through the use of assignments, exams and discussions.