Ethics
Lead: Stuart Pickel, M.D.
The Ethics theme provides a foundation in ethical reasoning and decision-making. Students will develop a coherent approach to effectively manage encounters they will face in medical practice, further informed by their values and life-experiences. The theme fosters an appreciation for the universal relevance of ethical principles as applied to the practice of medicine as well as other disciplines and values that are central to our humanity. These include but are not limited to law, philosophy, history, literature, end-of-life issues, spirituality, leadership, and social policy.
Gerontology
Lead: Janice Knebl, D.O.
The Gerontology theme investigates the interplay between environmental, psychological, patho/physiologic, and biochemical changes that occur in the aging population. The theme addresses the unique as well as universal aspects of caring for an aging population. Students will explore strategies to optimize care across the continuum of aging patients, from health aging to complex multi-system and/or chronic conditions.
Health Care Delivery
Lead: Mark Chassay, M.D., M.B.A.
The Health Care Delivery (HCD) theme surveys the organization, financing, and economic impact of the U.S. health care system. The theme delves into challenges and benefits of current delivery and payment systems, in addition the broader interface of business and medicine. Students will prepare to engage the complexity of the system now and in the future.
Health Care Policy & Advocacy
Lead: Amy Anderson, D.N.P
The Health Care Policy & Advocacy theme prepares students to identify the micro and macro-drivers influencing decision-making in health policy. The theme focuses on developing leaders that are equipped to research, analyze and propose policy change to improve patient outcomes and care delivery. Students will explore political strategies to maximize physician influence at the local, state, national and international level on issues such as health care reform, workforce, and protecting and improving the medical profession.
Informatics
Lead: Tim Niacaris, M.D.
The Informatics theme highlights the interaction between health information technology and the delivery of high quality, value-based care. The theme addresses the importance of clinical decision support, data analytics, cybersecurity and regulatory compliance to the physician and care environment. Students will explore the broader interface of medicine, the use of clinical informatics in medical practice, and opportunities for informatics specialization.
Patient Safety & Continuous Quality Improvement
Lead: Paul Bhella, M.D.
The Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Patient Safety theme explores the role and importance of these pursuits in the everyday provision of health care. The theme introduces students to the core principles of CQI and how to apply these principles to improve patient care. In addition, the theme examines the importance of safe practices in the delivery of health care to optimize outcomes.
Physician as Educator
Interim Lead: Erin Nelson, Psy.D
The Physician as Educator theme equips students for their universal role as educators from training throughout medical practice. The theme provides an introduction to relevant educational concepts to foster lifelong learning and teaching. Students will develop strategies to educate and engage with patients, families, colleagues, and broader scientific and lay communities.
Population Health
Lead: Chase Crossno, M.P.H. & Ryan Stroder, D.O.
The Population Health theme examines critical social and structural determinants that create conditions in which people live, survive or thrive. The theme explores public health interventions of the past that have shaped health care today, and how present actions will shape health care in the future. Students will investigate contemporary challenges and opportunities in public health, community health, and global health.
Psychological and Behavioral Sciences
Lead: Erin Nelson, Psy.D.
The Psychological and Behavioral Science theme explores the inherent intersection of core psychological concepts with medical training and practice. The theme emphasizes the critical role of self-awareness/discovery as well as social, interpersonal and environmental factors that influence human behavior. Students will actively engage and apply psychological and behavioral principles toward the promotion of health and well-being in self and others.
Team-Based Care
Leads: Val Gokenbach, D.M., R.N., M.B.A. & Elaine Nelson, D.N.P., R.N., NEA-BC, CENP
The Team-Based Care theme includes traditional interprofessional education (IPE) training opportunities shared with students of other disciplines as well as learning the roles and responsibilities of many health care providers. In addition to formal IPE experiences, the theme emphasizes the importance of everyone who contributes to a patient’s experience and care. The theme fosters humility, collaboration, leadership, and communication skills essential for students to function effectively in contemporary medical practice.
