Health Sciences

H.S. Program ranks among nation's finest
In May 2014, the Bachelor's in Health Sciences Program in the School of Health Related Professions at the University of Mississippi Medical Center ranked No. 18 nationally in an article published by TheBestSchools.org, "The 25 Best Bachelor's in Health Science Degree Programs."

TheBestSchools.org selected programs based on several weighted factors, including academic excellence, course offerings, accomplishment of faculty and reputation, including the school's reputation for providing online degrees.

TheBestSchools.org is a leading resource for prospective students seeking a college or university degree.

Johnson

From health sciences to health-care advocacy
By Belinda Johnson
Upon graduating from the School of Health Related Professions' Health Sciences Bachelor's Program in May 2013, I continued my education by entering a graduate program in public health while also working as an adjunct instructor in the Business Office Technology (BOT) Department at Hinds Community College.
My career aspiration is to become a health-care advocate. A health-care advocate is the voice for the indigent community. Another role of an advocate is to educate and, thereby, empower individuals who are often overlooked when making healthier lifestyle choices.

 

Otts

Radiation therapist values M.H.S. opportunity
By Jeremy Otts
After 15 years working as a radiation therapist, the passion to impact patients' lives and provide compassionate care continues to grow.
Currently, I serve as the chief radiation therapist in radiation oncology at UMMC. During the past several years, numerous colleagues in this organization have encouraged me to pursue the M.H.S. degree and grow as a leader at this institution.
Thus far, the program has enlightened me more on the need for self-awareness in health care, and especially as leaders.

 

Health Sciences scholars and engagements
• In Dec. 2014, Dr. Juanyce Taylor, chair and assistant professor of health sciences, attended the 2014 Minority Health and Health Disparities Grantees' Conference in National Harbor, Maryland, which included her published abstract, "Barriers and Facilitators for Young Males of Color: In Their Own Voice." Taylor also was invited to submit a critical analysis to the DREAM Collection of MedEd PORTAL Publications, "Critical Analysis of the Interprofessional Collaborative Organization Map and Preparedness Assessment Tool (IP-COMPASS)."

• The Population Health Journal Club featured Dr. Warren May, professor of biostatistics for the Center of Biostatistics and Informatics and professor of health sciences in SHRP, as lead discussant on the article, "Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Chronic Diseases of Youths and Access to Health Care in the United States" (Price, Khubchandani, McKinney, & Braun, 2013).

• Dr. Dana West, assistant professor of health sciences, submitted a paper to the National Association for Student Personnel Administrators, "Perceptions of Sexual Minority Administrators Concerning the Impact of Their Sexual Orientation on Their Professional Careers in Higher Education."

• Taylor and West have also submitted an abstract for the 2016 American Educational Research Journal Centennial Issue, "Andragogy in Online Education:  Its Impact on Career Advancement among Graduate Students in Health Sciences."

• Dr. John Hodnett, assistant professor of health sciences, recently had an article published. The citation: Lauterbach, S.S. & Hodnett, J. (2016). Psychiatric care and mental health in the community. In K.S. Lundy and S. Janes (Eds.). Community health nursing: Caring for the public's health (3nd Ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning.

• Dr. Jessylen Age represents the School of Health Related Professions on the UMMC Institutional Teaching for Quality (Te4Q) Committee and is the lead on its Te4Q Faculty (Instructional) Team. Recently, she and members of the committee submitted an abstract, "Integrating Quality Improvement in Health Professions Curricula: Interprofessional Faculty Engagement," for the 2015 Integrating Quality Meeting sponsored
by the Association of American Medical Colleges, scheduled for June.

Soul-searching and self-examination
In February, the Department of Health Sciences began an extensive self-study to assess departmental effectiveness, student learning and achievement, and how well its academic programs fulfill its stated mission and meet desired standards.

Core areas for health sciences include: 
• Administration and leadership,
• Ethics, law and policy,
• Health education,
• Organizational development,
• Program and strategic planning, and
• Critical thinking.

The external review is being led by Dr. Lori A. Wolff, professor and director of the Dr. Maxine Harper Center for Educational Research and Evaluation, and Dr. Marie Barnard, visiting assistant professor of educational research at the University of Mississippi.

A new scope of teaching and learning
The Department of Health Sciences will integrate health education in its curriculum beginning in the summer. Students enrolled in related courses may gain eligibility to become a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) through the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). 

About the program
The Health Sciences Program and the Master of Health Sciences Program are each accredited through the University of Mississippi Medical Center's accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). 

For more information about the program, visit umc.edu/shrp/ and select "Health Sciences" or "Master of Health Sciences."