phd in health research

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Offered By: Department of Epidemiology

Onsite | Full-Time | 4 – 5 years

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About the PhD in Epidemiology Program

The doctoral program in Epidemiology is anchored in public health and population research and analysis. Students approach research using epidemiologic methods to understand complex human health problems. The PhD requires two years of coursework followed by two (or more) years of research. Students are required to complete a teaching training curriculum and serve as a teaching assistant for methods and topical courses. Additionally, students must complete a written comprehensive exam, a practice oral exam, a preliminary exam, multiple oral and poster presentations, and a final dissertation including presentation and defense.

PhD in Epidemiology Program Highlights

Train with renowned faculty.

100+ faculty across 8 research tracks in epidemiology

Access to wide range of coursework

Explore your interests with a wide variety of courses taught by our faculty

Write and publish

All of our doctoral students get training in writing papers and proposals through didactic learning and mentoring

Participate on research teams

The School is the leading recipient of NIH research funding among U.S. schools of public health, providing robust hands-on research opportunities

What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree In Epidemiology?

Visit the  Graduate Employment Outcomes Dashboard to learn about Bloomberg School graduates' employment status, sector, and salaries.

Sample Careers

• Epidemiologist
• Faculty Member
• Science Director
• Health Commissioner

Curriculum for the PhD in Epidemiology

Browse an overview of the requirements for this doctoral program in the JHU Academic Catalogue and explore all course offerings in the Bloomberg School Course Directory .

Current students can view the PhD in Epidemiology requirements in the student handbook on the Epidemiology portal site.

Research Tracks

The Department's current research tracks in the PhD program include:

Cancer Epidemiology offers a rich, vibrant and dynamic environment for masters and doctoral students, and postdoctoral fellows to actively participate, learn, explore and conduct cancer-related population-based and clinical research. The track has a long and successful history of training masters and doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows. Past students continue to conduct population-based cancer research and have made successful transitions to positions in academia, government and private sector organizations.

Cardiovascular and Clinical Epidemiology focuses on the use of epidemiologic methods in clinical research and practice as well as interdisciplinary training on the epidemiology of cardiovascular disease. The program integrates knowledge on all aspects of the disease: biology, behavior, treatment, and prevention. Training emphasizes active participation in research and translational epidemiology using a collaborative approach, which is enhanced by the close relationships between the Department of Epidemiology and clinical departments of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Clinical Trials and Evidence Synthesis offers students a unique educational experience in clinical trial and evidence synthesis methodology. Methods are applied to a variety of clinical areas including respiratory-, eye- and infectious diseases, and mental health. Student-faculty discussions, journal clubs, research-in-progress meetings, seminars and active participation in research add to both the depth and breadth of the program.

Environmental Epidemiology concentrates on the impact of environmental exposures on health and disease states in human populations. This track integrates epidemiological methods, assessment of environmental exposures and understanding of specific disease processes to identify the health consequences of environmental exposures. Environmental Epidemiology provides basic information for risk assessment, risk communication, and environmental health policy decisions and has a central role in identifying, implementing and evaluating strategies for the prevention and control of environmental exposures. Training in Environmental Epidemiology emphasizes active participation in large population research projects, with close collaborations across the School and with national and international collaborators.

Epidemiology of Aging focuses on the determinants of physical and cognitive health, disease, and function in older adults. Offers multidisciplinary training in methods and theories needed for the study of older populations. Strong ties exist with several multi-departmental training grants and programs. This training program also is connected to numerous large research projects.

General Epidemiology and Methodology offers research and training opportunities in almost all areas of chronic disease epidemiology, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diseases of childhood and includes advanced methodology training in epidemiologic methods as well as providing individualized or customized training in statistical epidemiology, pharmacoepidemiology and social epidemiology.

Genetic Epidemiology focuses on the study of genetic and environmental factors, and their interaction in disease and normal variation. Emphasis is on understanding the methodology and approach to designing, executing and analyzing genetic studies. Training is broad-based and collaborative and encourages participation in research from faculty in the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the Institute of Genetic Medicine, and the School of Medicine.

Infectious Disease Epidemiology provides training in the fundamentals of infectious disease epidemiology with an eye toward preparing graduates to work in teaching, research and practice. The program emphasizes principles and methods that can be used to understand the dynamics and control of transmissible diseases by all classes of organisms. The curriculum builds on the faculty's extensive and diverse experience researching and combating infectious diseases, ranging from hospital acquired infections, to neglected tropical diseases and sexually transmitted infections.

Admissions Requirements

For general admissions requirements, please visit the How to Apply page. This specific program also requires:

Prior Coursework

College-level math through pre-calculus, a biology course, and one additional science course

Prior Graduate Degree

Not required, but highly recommended

Prior Work Experience

One year of full-time work experience in a related field

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores are  not required and not reviewed  for this program. If you have taken a standardized test such as the GRE, GMAT, or MCAT and want to submit your scores, please note that they will not be used as a metric during the application review.  Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all required application components.

All full-time PhD students will receive the following support for the first four years of the program: full tuition, individual health insurance, University Health Services clinic fee, vision insurance, and dental insurance.

Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who  are admitted to PhD programs at JHU   starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a $1500 need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU.   These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need.  View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students .

Questions about the program? We're happy to help.

General Inquiries:

[email protected]

Senior Academic Program Manager Frances S. Burman [email protected]

• University of Kentucky

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PhD HSR PhD in Health Services Research

The PhD program in Health Services Research at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health prepares professionals for a career in conducting data-driven health services research. This unique program strongly emphasizes applied health services research skills, including study design, data management, statistics and other quantitative methods. There are opportunities to organize coursework based on interests such as health economics or health outcomes.

Why PhD in HSR?

Graduates will be prepared to address the practical challenges of conducting health services research in the multidisciplinary research environments of academia, government, consulting and industry. The mentored research program will prepare independent researchers skilled at designing and conducting health services research, leveraging a variety of study designs, primary data collection approaches, and primary and secondary databases to inform healthcare delivery and health policy.

Dr. Min-Woong Sohn

Director of Graduate Studies

PhD HSR Student Handbook

Phd hsr aet page.

See the PhD HSR in UK's Academic Exploration Tool.

External Link

Latest PhD HSR News & Events

University of Kentucky December 2023 Commencement Ceremony (Livestream)

Watch as UK celebrates its December 2023 graduates Friday, Dec. 15.

Call for Abstracts | Deadline February 14

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Open now from October 30th - November 10th. Get ready! Don't miss your chance to grab CPH branded gear! 10% of the sales will go to the Student Public Health Association (SPHA).

Is variable systolic blood pressure linked to the progression of multiple sclerosis disease?

Doctors (and nearly everyone else) have long known that maintaining healthy blood pressure (BP) levels can help stave off a host of health problem

Public Health Showcase 2024

A unique opportunity for sharing innovative work in public health research, community practice, teaching, and workforce development.

College of Public Health 111 Washington Avenue Lexington, KY 40536 [email protected]

colorado school of public health

Colorado sph.

PhD in Health Services Research

In this program, you'll study how the interplay of social factors, health technologies, and personal behaviors impact healthcare access, healthcare costs, and quality of life. You’ll be trained to think like a scientist, implementing and developing research studies that assess predictors of disease and the effectiveness of interventions. Our faculty are studying everything from disaster preparedness to health insurance to financing hospitals, which means you can find the mentor who’s right for you.

Quick facts, careers, and skills

When you complete this program, you’ll have the knowledge and skills you need to pose innovative health services research questions and leverage data to inform evidence-based clinical practices and health policies.

Quick facts

Program location: CU Anschutz Credit hours: 69-72 Est. time to complete: 5-7 years

Sample careers

Program analyst Research director Health Services Researcher & more

Skills you'll gain

Grant writing Study design Data analysis and interpretation & more

Biostatistics courses

* Courses required before Preliminary Exam: Biostatistics (BIOS 6611), Ethics (CLSC 7150), Epidemiology (EPID 6630), Foundations in Health Services Research (HSMP 7010 Fall and Spring semesters)

Clinical science courses

* Courses required before Preliminary Exam: Biostatistics (BIOS 6611.6612), Ethics (CLSC 7150), Epidemiology (EPID 6630), Foundations in Health Services Research (HSMP 7010 Fall and Spring semesters) BIOS 6612 is required before taking HSMP 7607. Students must complete HSMP 7609 and CLSC 7202 prior to HSR-specific preliminary exam.

+ CLSC 6210 is taken over 1 year typically during the second or third year of the PhD (after passing the Preliminary Exam but before completing the Comprehensive Exam).

Health systems, policy & management courses

++ HSMP 7010 must be taken in a Fall and Spring semester (1 credit per semester).

*** 3 credits of HSMP electives; recommended courses include HSMP 6605 (3 credits), HSMP 6602 (3 credits) or HSMP 6609 (2 credits) and HSMP 6616 (1 credit).

Additional coursework

** All PhD students matriculating in or after Fall 2018 are required to take PUBH 6600 and EHOH 6601. Only students with a prior graduate degree from a CEPH-accredited institution may waive this requirement.

^ The goal of the cognate courses is to develop a minor area of study that supports the student's research interest. The student will need to present his/her ideas to their academic advisor for approval.

Dissertation

Total credits: 69-72.

"> Download the information packet >

View the course book and course schedule >

Competencies

Colorado school of public health.

CU Anschutz

Fitzsimons Building

13001 East 17th Place

Mail Stop B119

Aurora, CO 80045

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Graduate Programs

Health services research.

Doctoral students in Health Services Research improve population health by focusing on health care delivery systems, providers, the economic forces that shape consumer and provider behavior, and the policy environment in which these relationships exist.

Additional Resources

Health Services Research faculty are members of the Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice and at the  School of Public Health , and are aligned with world-class research centers, such as the Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, the Center for Evidence Synthesis in Health and the Center for Long-Term Quality and Innovation, and the Center for Health System Sustainability and Information Futures Lab. 

Major areas of faculty activity include long term care research, pharmaceutical health services research, eliminating racial disparities, evaluation of state and national policies, and end of life care. Strengths of the program include its student-centric approach to learning, high faculty-to-student ratio, and hands-on experience conducting supervised research.

Application Information

Application in  SOPHAS

Application Requirements

Gre subject:.

Not required

GRE General:

Official transcripts:, letters of recommendations:, personal statement:, additional requirements:.

• Application Fee

International Applicants:

• Language Proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS if applicable)
• Transcript Evaluation (if applicable)

Comprehensive application requirements are detailed on the School of Public Health's  admissions requirements website .

Dates/Deadlines

Application deadline, completion requirements.

24 credits, successful completion of written comprehensive exams in methods and a substantive area, and successful defense of an independent dissertation.

Alumni Careers

Contact and Location

Department of health services, policy & practice, mailing address.

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PhD, Health Services Research

Advance research, policy and practice to improve access, cost and quality of health services

The goal of this program is to provide interdisciplinary training in research, practice and policy analysis relevant to health programs.

• Request Info

Program Overview

The University of Maryland School of Public Health offers a Doctorate in Health Services Research (PhD). The program provides interdisciplinary training in research, practice, and policy relevant to the planning, management, and evaluation of clinical practice and public health programs. The program combines rigorous coursework with individual research mentoring.

See all Health Policy and Management graduate student resources .

For more information, see the Health Policy and Management flyer .

• To acquire a strong foundation of knowledge in the organizational, policy, economic and social factors which influence health and health services delivery;
• To acquire foundational and advanced research skills which result in the ability to develop an independent project in health services research;
• To demonstrate the ability to complete an independent project in health services research;
• To demonstrate oral and written communication skills appropriate for the dissemination of knowledge in health services research to both academic and professional/practitioner audiences

The Ph.D. in Health Services Research requires a minimum of 50 credits organized in four modules. Together with their advisor, students select 5 elective courses. After completing coursework, students must pass a written qualifying exam. All students then take an oral proposal defense before admission to candidacy. Once a candidate, students focus on their dissertation, culminating in an oral dissertation defense.

See the PhD program plan and competency checklist.

See the tentative schedule for HPM courses.

* The elective courses in the cognate area (track) are selected by the student and approved by the advisor.

PhD students are actively engaged in faculty research programs and their own independent scholarship. Participation in research activities ramps up in the first two years as students build and hone their skills. By the 3rd year, many students are formally employed as research assistants on faculty projects. Student scholarship is a critical component of the department’s research portfolio. Below are a few selected student-led journal manuscripts.

Andrew Andersen , Erin O’Rourke, Marshall Chin, et al. Promoting Health Equity and Eliminating Disparities Through Performance Measurement and Payment. Health Affairs 37(3); 2018.

Ivy Benejenk, Luisa Franzini, Dylan Roby, and Jie Chen . Disparities in Audio-only Telemedicine Use among Medicare Beneficiaries during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Medical Care 59(11); 2021.

Taehyun Kim , Daniel Marthey, and Michel Boudreaux. Contraceptive Access Reform and Abortion: Evidence from Delaware. Health Services Research 58(4); 2023.

Elle Pope and Neil Sehgal. Characterizing Industry Payments to US Teaching Hospitals and Affiliated Physicians: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Open Payments Datasets from 2016 to 2022. Health Affairs Scholar 1(2); 2023.

Liyang Xie , Michel Boudreaux, and Luisa Franzini . Maryland’s Global Budget Revenue Program: Impact on Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Admissions and Infant Mortality. Medical Care. 59(8); 2021.

All admitted PhD students who enroll full-time and are not engaged in off-campus employment receive 2 years of full funding (stipend, tuition remission, and fringe benefits). After the 2nd year, students either join an externally funded project led by a faculty member or obtain their own independent support. Our students have obtained external support from AHRQ, RWJF, NQF, and other sources. Others have obtained internal support   from competitive University of Maryland awards.

The department also offers competitive ad-hoc support for travel  and for the purchase of dissertation materials  (data, software, etc.). Many students obtain limited-time support through paid internships with federal agencies (e.g. AHRQ) that provide excellent opportunities to learn about non-academic research, policy and practice environments.

Below are organizations and agencies that provide funding opportunities to HSR PhD students before and during the dissertation phase.

• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
• SREB-State Doctoral Scholars Program – Dissertation Year Fellowship
• CDC Grants for Public Health Research Dissertation
• NSF Dissertation Improvement Grant
• Horowitz Foundation for Social Policy
• The Hewlett Foundation/IIE Dissertation Fellowship
• Russel Sage Foundation’s Dissertation Research Grant
• Aging Research Dissertation Awards To Increase Diversity
• Research Supplements To Promote Diversity In Health-Related Research 
• Mental Health Dissertation Research Grants To Increase Diversity In The Mental Healt h  Research Arena
• NIDA Substance Use/Substance Use Disorder Dissertation Research Award
• National Science Foundation East Asia And Pacific Summer Institutes For U.S. Graduate  Students 
• NSF Graduate Research Fellowships
• PhRMA Foundation Outcomes Research
• Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Dissertation Research Program
• Many associations offer awards, e.g. Society of Family Planning.

The PhD program prepares students for careers in research and leadership in diverse settings. Graduates of the PhD program go on to careers in the public, private, and academic sectors. Recent placements include organizations such as PCORI, NIH, HRSA, CDC, VHA, Mathematica, NORC, Dartmouth College, Tulane University, Texas A&M University, University of Maryland, Baltimore County and the University of Pittsburg.

Alumni Spotlight 

Suma Nair PhD, MS, RD  obtained a PhD in Health Services Research from the University of Maryland in 2017. She currently serves as the Director of the Office of Quality Improvement (OQI) at the Health Resources and Services Administration. She leads and coordinates national and state technical assistance programs and activities, including those focused on special populations and the use of health information technology to drive clinical and operational quality improvements.

Andrew Anderson, Ph.D. began his studies at the University of Maryland in the Masters of Health Administration program (now, the MPH in Health Care Management). He moved on to the PhD program and graduated in 2019. He now serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Health Policy & Management at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.  His work aims to identify the social drivers of healthcare outcomes to inform the development of policy. During his time at UMD, he was a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Health Policy Research Scholar.

Suited for...

• Individuals with a Master's Degree in Health Administration, Health Services, Public Health, Policy, Economics, Business Administration or a related field
• Individuals interested in the planning, administration, management and evaluation of health and public health programs

Program Highlights

• Flexible 50 credit program completed in 4-6 years
• Applied experiences in a variety of research settings
• Access to all the resources of a world-class University, located 15 miles from the nation's capital

Career Paths

• Health administration
• Federal, state, or local government policy analysis
• Research foundations (e.g., NORC, Think Tanks)
• Private sector research

Michel Boudreaux, PhD

Associate Professor Department of Health Policy and Management

[email protected] (301) 405-6118

PhD in Biological Sciences in Public Health

Prepare for a high-impact academic or research career at the forefront of the biological sciences in public health..

As a student in the PhD in biological sciences in public health program, you will gain expertise in the prevention and treatment of diseases that affect thousands—even millions—of people. Working with leading public health scientists, you will learn both mechanistic and quantitative approaches to biomedical research, while specializing in one of four areas of investigation:

• The metabolic basis of health and disease
• Immunology and infectious diseases
• Gene-environment interactions
• Inflammation and stress responses

Each area of investigation emphasizes biochemical, cell biological, and genetic approaches to understanding disease. In your research, whether basic or translational, you will apply cutting-edge tools and techniques to advance the understanding, treatment, and prevention of human diseases that significantly impact global populations today. Current research within our laboratories includes these and other diseases and risk factors:

• Atherosclerosis
• Chagas’ disease
• Environmental exposure to toxins
• Inflammatory diseases
• Kidney disease
• Metabolic syndrome
• Tuberculosis

As a graduate of the program, you will be prepared for a career as a faculty member in a college, university, medical school, research institute, or school of public health. You may also choose to pursue a career in research at a government agency, or in the private sector at a consulting, biotech, or pharmaceutical firm.

The program provides broad interdisciplinary knowledge of both mechanistic and quantitative approaches to biomedical research and prepares graduate students for research careers with courses in the following areas:

• Biochemistry, Genetics
• Biostatistics
• Cell biology
• Epidemiology
• Immunology/Infectious diseases
• Molecular biology
• Toxicology/Cancer cell biology

All students admitted to the PhD in biological sciences in public health program, including international students, are guaranteed full funding, which includes a stipend, tuition, and health insurance for five years, provided they maintain satisfactory progress.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

To qualify for admission, applicants must demonstrate strong enthusiasm and ability for the vigorous pursuit of scientific knowledge. Minimum requirements include a bachelor’s degree and undergraduate preparation in the sciences.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Like all PhD (doctor of philosophy) programs at the School, the PhD in biological sciences in public health is offered under the aegis of the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS). Applications are processed through the Harvard Griffin GSAS online application system . The program is located within the Division of Biological Sciences at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

OUR COMMUNITY: COMMITTED, ACCOMPLISHED, COLLABORATIVE

As a PhD candidate in the biological sciences in public health program, you will be part of a diverse and accomplished group of students with a broad range of research and other interests. The opportunity to learn from each other and share ideas outside of the classroom will be one of the most rewarding and productive parts of the program. The School fosters those relationships by sponsoring an “informal curriculum” of seminars, journal clubs, retreats, and other opportunities that will broaden your knowledge, hone your presentation skills, and teach you how to critically evaluate scientific literature while providing a supportive, collaborative community within which to pursue your degree. Our location in the heart of Boston’s Longwood Medical Area—home to Harvard Medical School, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and many world-class hospitals—makes collaboration with eminent laboratory and clinical researchers a natural part of the educational experience. And when you graduate, you will benefit from Harvard’s unparalleled global network of alumni leaders.

LEARN MORE Visit our website at www.hsph.harvard.edu/biological-sciences for more information or contact [email protected]

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PhD Programs

Empowering students to follow their curiosity

Bioengineering PhD

Jointly supported by the School of Engineering and the School of Medicine, the bioengineering program merges engineering principles with scientific discovery and technology to encourage the development of new medical devices and treatments.

Biosciences PhD

panning the School of Medicine and the School of Humanities and Sciences, students have the best of both worlds: the diversity of a large umbrella program coupled with the support of a small academic setting.

The Biosciences PhD program offers 14 home programs representing eight basic science departments and six interdisciplinary programs.

Biomedical Physics (BMP) PhD Program

Supported by the Departments of Radiology and Radiation Oncology, the Biomedical Physics PhD program seeks students interested in radiation therapy, imaging science, and molecular imaging and diagnostics as applied to clinical medicine. 

PhD in Epidemiology and Clinical Research

The PhD program in epidemiology and clinical research will provide methodologic and interdisciplinary training that will equip students to carry out cutting-edge epidemiologic research. The program trains students in the tools of modern epidemiology, with heavy emphases on statistics, computer science, genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics.

PhD in Health Policy

Stanford Health Policy offers a PhD program which promises to educate students who will be scholarly leaders in the field of health policy, and will be highly knowledgeable about the theoretical and empirical approaches that can be applied in the development of improvements in health policy and the health care system. These students will be well prepared for positions in academic institutions, government institutions, and private sector organizations with a demand for high-level analysis of health policy issues.

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Applying to BU's Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Services and Policy Research .

Everything you need to know about applying to boston university school of public health, doctor of philosophy (phd) in health services and policy research application requirements ., application deadlines.

Application Opens: August 17, 2023 Priority Deadline*: November 1, 2023 Final Deadline: December 1, 2023

*Applications must be submitted and verified by SOPHAS by December 1. We encourage applicants to apply by November 1, 2023 in order to meet the December 1 final deadline.

Find more information about the SOPHAS verification process .

Prerequisites

•  Bachelor’s degree in a related field (i.e., social/behavioral sciences, epidemiology, management, biological sciences, or health professions) or substantial coursework in these fields.
• Minimum of one semester of calculus and one semester of statistics, each with a grade of B or better
• EP713, Introduction to Epidemiology or equivalent and BS704, Introduction to Biostatistics or equivalent with a grade of B or better

A graduate degree (or graduate work in process) in a relevant field is strongly encouraged, though the PhD program will consider exceptional candidates with a bachelor’s degree.

Experience:

At least 1–2 years of research experience is strongly encouraged.

Learn more about the PhD in Health Services and Policy Research .

Application Requirements

Standardized test scores.

A GRE score is not required for application to BU School of Public Health and will not be considered if submitted.

English language proficiency exam

English is the language of instruction at Boston University. You must be able to understand rapid, idiomatic English and express yourself clearly in speech and writing.

English Proficiency Exams

International students whose native language is not English must provide official results of the Test of English as a Second Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Only official TOEFL and IELTS score reports will be accepted and must be submitted using the appropriate reporting code through SOPHAS. Photocopies of test scores or unofficial records will not be accepted

Boston University School of Public Health does not accept Duolingo English Test results.

Test and Required Minimum Score

• TOEFL ibt: 100 or higher
• TOEFL pbt: 600 or higher
• IELTS – Academic Exam Only: 7.0 (total band score)

TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two (2) years from the date of examination.   Applicants who do not meet the required minimum score will not be considered for admission.

• If an international applicant’s WES ICAP evaluation states that English was the language of instruction for a completed degree, the TOEFL/IELTS requirement will be waived automatically by SPH Admissions.
• One (1) year of study in a bachelor’s degree in the US or in any of the countries above does   not   qualify. The majority of the bachelor’s degree program (at least 2+ years) must be completed in one of the countries above to be considered for this waiver.
• A   completed   TOEFL and IELTS Waiver Request Form .
• Official supporting documentation demonstrating English proficiency sent directly from the university or institution on official letterhead. We cannot accept supporting documentation directly from applicants.

Reporting codes for TOEFL and IELTS

TOEFL Institution Code: 5688* Dept. Code: Any www.ets.org

IELTS Please have a score report submitted through SOPHAS.

Applicants may submit the TOEFL or IELTS. TOEFL and IELTS exams are considered valid for two (2) years from the date the exam was administered.

Academic Transcripts or WES ICAP Evaluation

If you are currently in a degree program, you are required to submit a current official transcript showing all completed coursework and all work in progress. If you are accepted for admission, a final official transcript after degree conferral must be submitted directly to Boston University prior to matriculation.

Three (3) Letters of Recommendation

Statement of purpose and objectives.

• Reason for studying health services research
• Desired area of study within the department
• Anticipated value of health services research training at Boston University to the candidate’s personal career plans
• Relevance of prior education and experience to pursuing this degree

CV or Résumé

Contact information.

[email protected]

PhD in Health Services Research and Health Policy

Doctoral program in health services research and health policy, rollins school of public health department of health policy and management.

The PhD in Health Services Research and Health Policy at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University is a full-time program that trains researchers in the fields of health policy, health economics, health management, and health services research.

Students take doctoral-level classes in the Department of Economics, the Department of Health Policy and Management, the Goizueta business school, and elsewhere throughout the university. Many students also collaborate with faculty on research.

Following the completion of their coursework, students work on their independent research for their dissertation.

What You’ll Learn

Students in our program take classes in one of two tracks: Economics or Organizations and Management .

Economics Track

Students in the Economics track take graduate-level classes in the Department of Economics, alongside students pursing a PhD in economics. The economics track prepares students to apply economic theory to evaluate topics in health and health policy.

Organizations and Management Track

Students in Organizations and Management take advanced and doctoral-level courses in Emory’s Goizueta School of Business. The track prepares students to examine questions pertaining to access, quality, cost of health care and health outcomes. Students in this track will learn how theories and concepts from fields such as organizational behavior and technology management can be applied to medicine and health care organizations.

Core Courses and More

All students in the program take classes in statistical methods, research design, and health policy seminar. Students have room to take electives, which could be any graduate-level class at Emory or nearby universities (Georgia State, Georgia Tech).

For more information, please see our program brochure and handbook .

What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree in Health Services Research and Health Policy?

The program prepares students for a variety of research-focused careers in academia, think tanks, foundations, government agencies, pharmaceutical firms, and consulting.  

Our graduates are currently employed at:

• the American Cancer Society
• the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• Emory University
• Weill Cornell Medical School
• Harvard Medical School
• IMPAQ International
• Johnson & Johnson
• MD Anderson
• National Taiwan University
• Northern Illinois University
• Northwestern University
• Taipei Medical University
• The Urban Institute
• Trilliant Health
• University of California at San Francisco
• Carnegie Mellon
• Washington University (St. Louis)
• The University of Virginia

We discourage applications from students who view a PhD as a credential or who want to focus exclusively on administration, management, or advocacy. There are other professional degrees that are better suited to those types of careers.

What Type of Research Will You Do in the Health Services Research and Health Policy PhD Program?

Students perform research on a wide variety of topics related to delivery of medical care, insurance, and the determinants of health. Some examples of the papers that students have published from their dissertations include: 

The effect of Medicaid expansion on crime reduction: Evidence from HIFA-waiver expansions. Journal of Public Economics 2017. (Heifei Wen, Ph.D. 2015)

Heuristics in the delivery room. Science 2021. (Manasvini Singh, Ph.D. 2020)

Are two heads better than one or do too many cooks spoil the broth? The tradeoff between physician division of labor and patient continuity of care for older adults with complex chronic conditions. Health Services Research 2016. (Kenton Johnston, Ph.D. 2015).

Effect of Medicaid disenrollment on health care utilization among adults with mental health disorders. Medical Care 2019 (Xu Ji, Ph.D. 2017).

Patterns of use and survival outcomes of positron emission tomography for initial staging in elderly follicular lymphoma patients . Leukemia & Lymphoma 2017 (Ashish Rai, Ph.D. 2015)

Admissions Requirements

For detailed information about admissions, please see our program brochure .

Applicants should provide:

• a transcript,
• statement of purpose,
• resume/CV, and
• three letters of recommendation.

Please note:

• GRE scores are optional.
• Applicants do not need to have a master’s degree.

Visit Emory’s Laney Graduate School website to apply now .

You do not need to contact the program or faculty prior to applying. We give equal attention to all applications, regardless of whether applicants know faculty or have had prior contact with them. We do not routinely meet with applicants prior to the application deadline. However, if you have a specific question about the program that is not addressed in this document or would like to get a better sense if the program is a good fit for you, please send your question to the director, David Howard, [email protected] .

September 11, 2023 

Application opens for Fall 2024

December 1, 2023

Application deadline

Late January-Early February, 2024

Offer letters sent to successful applicants 

Program faculty

Students have wide leeway to work with faculty at any Emory school or department. Most students work with the faculty on the list below.

Department of Health Policy and Management

Kathleen Adams (Ph.D. Economics, University of Colorado) Risk behavior, maternal and child health, insurance coverage, Medicaid policy.

Sarah Blake (Ph.D. Public Policy, Georgia State/Georgia Institute of Technology) Maternal and child health, reproductive health, implementation science.

Puneet Chehal (Ph.D. Public Policy, Duke) Medicaid and chronic illness in underserved populations.

Janet Cummings (Ph.D. Health Policy, UCLA) Mental health and substance abuse policy.

Benjamin Druss (M.D., New York University) Mental health and substance abuse policy.

Maria Dieci (Ph.D. Health Policy, UC Berkeley) Health economics, global health and development economics.

Ilana Graetz (Ph.D. Health Policy, UC Berkeley) Health information technology, quality improvement.

David Howard (Ph.D. Health Policy, Harvard) Health economics, reimbursement policy, pharmaceutical markets.

Joseph Lipscomb (Ph.D. Economics, University of North Carolina) Health outcomes assessment and improvement.

Victoria Phillips (Ph.D. Economics, Oxford) Health economics, cost-effectiveness analysis.

Adam Wilk (Ph.D. Health Policy, University of Michigan) Access to care and Medicaid, coverage and payment for kidney failure treatment.

Courtney Yarborough (Ph.D. Public Policy, University of Georgia) Substance abuse policy, pharmaceutical markets.

Affiliated faculty in other departments at Emory

Michal Hórny (Ph.D. Health Services Research, Boston University) Department of Radiology. Health insurance benefit design, costs of care, price transparency, access to care.

Xu Ji (Ph.D. Health Policy, Emory) Department of Pediatrics. Health care quality, health outcomes, access to health care.

Dio Kavalieratos (Ph.D. Health Policy, University of North Carolina) Department of Family Medicine and Palliative Care. End-of-life care, implementation science.

Sara Markowitz (Ph.D. Economics, CUNY) Department of Economics. Health economics, labor economics, maternal and child health. Ian McCarthy (Ph.D. Economics, University of Indiana) Department of Economics. Health economics, industrial organization.

Evan Saltzman (Ph.D. Managerial Science and Applied Economics, University of Pennsylvania) Department of Economics. Health economics, industrial organization.

Current PhD Students

Lamont Sutton

Nada Boualam

Sonia Tetlow

Xinyue Zhang

Marissa Coloske

Martha Wetzel

Paul George

Jingxuan Zhao

Alex Soltoff

Elizabeth Staton

Zhuoqi Yang

Cristian Ramos

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Doctor of Philosophy

The primary mission of the PhD program is to provide scholars with the disciplinary background and skills required to contribute to the development of our understanding of better ways of measuring, maintaining, and improving the public’s health. Examples of research conducted by PhD students includes but is not limited to: cancer epidemiology, clinical trials, cardiovascular disease, molecular epidemiology, vector-borne diseases, parasitology, mental health epidemiology and HIV/AIDS. Students are encouraged to work with faculty throughout the university since much of the work done in EPH is interdisciplinary.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences .

Select program: "Public Health" and your Concentration: Biostatistics (PhD or MS), Chronic Disease Epidemiology (PhD or MS), Environmental Health Sciences (PhD), Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases (PhD) or Epidemiology Infectious Disease (MS), Health Informatics (MS) Health Policy and Management (PhD) or Social and Behavioral Sciences (PhD).

The GRE and TOEFL code for Yale GSAS is: 3987. A writing sample is not required.

The deadline is December 15th.

PhD Program

All PhD students are guaranteed five years of 12-month stipend and tuition support in the form of YSPH fellowships, teaching fellowships, traineeships and research assistantships. In addition to support for tuition and living costs, students receive a health award to covers the full cost of single-student Yale Health Plan Hospitalization/Specialty Coverage.

Faculty Advisors

PhD applicants are not required to secure a faculty mentor prior to applying to the program.

We expect applicants to provide information in their personal statement about the research they hope to conduct if admitted and to state the faculty in our department whose research aligns with their interests.

Diversity Research Awards

The PhD program in Public Health enhances commitment its PhD students who identify as underrepresented minority students, first-generation college graduates and students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds by offering research awards to the top candidates admitted to the program. Each year a minimum of two PhD admitted students will be offered $2,000 each for research funds in addition to their financial aid package. Recipients have up to 2 years to spend these funds, which can be used for books, computers, software, conference travel, research travel or research supplies.

This funding is offered upon acceptance into the program. The criteria for the award is:

• Previous involvement in diversity-related initiatives in their community and/or volunteer activities helping underserved populations.
• Research interest in serving an underserved population

External Fellowships

Doctor of philosophy (phd) overview.

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School of Public Health

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Health Services Research, Policy & Administration PHD

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• Director of Graduate Studies Karen Kuntz [email protected]

Transform healthcare with this multidisciplinary degree.

With a Health Services Research, Policy & Administration PhD you will engage in a multidisciplinary examination of the social, political, and economic forces that affect the organization, financing, and delivery of healthcare.

This program prepares students for a career in applied research as well as influencing policy that can have an impact on healthcare systems. Our graduates find meaningful and challenging positions at universities, government agencies, think tanks, health insurance providers, managed care organizations, and consulting firms.

• Program Brochure

Health Services Research, Policy & Administration PHD Profiles

Ben Weideman

I am working to build equitable outcomes for LGBTQIA+ people.

Taylor Bucy

I’m interested in the care experiences of older adults with serious mental illness.

Janet Porter

Janet Porter, PhD '94, is the 2018 recipient of the Gaylord Anderson Leadership Award.

Advantages of the Program

• Location.  The School of Public Health is located within the Academic Health Center and a research university, allowing for collaboration and a multidisciplinary approach to learning.
• Tailored Options. Six areas of emphasis allow you to tailor your education to your interests. Our program also offers a joint degree in Law, Health and the Life Sciences (JD/PhD) with the Law School and an MD/PhD joint degree with medicine. More on joint and dual degrees.
• Collaborative Degree.  Through a collaboration with the Division of Environmental Health Sciences, you can focus your studies on workplace injury policy with the Occupational Health Services Research and Policy PhD .
• Breadth.  The Division of Health Policy and Management is home to five research centers that provide research opportunities to students and are rich sources for dissertation data.

Connect with Us

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Contact 420 Delaware St. S.E. Minneapolis, MN 55455

612-626-3500 [email protected]

• PhD in Health Policy

In This Section

• PhD in Public Policy
• PhD in Political Economy & Government
• PhD in Social Policy
• Job Market Candidates

The PhD in Health Policy is a highly interdisciplinary program that will develop the specialized skills you need for a research and teaching career in health policy.

The program is collaborative at its core, with its curriculum drawing from six Harvard schools:

• Harvard Business School
• Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
• Harvard Kennedy School
• Harvard Law School
• Harvard Medical School
• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

With more than 100 Harvard faculty members from these schools integrated in the program, you have access to the insights of leading experts across the full academic and professional spectrum.

Balance broad and specialized knowledge.

As a PhD in Health Policy student, you take courses throughout Harvard’s specialized schools. This allows you to become familiar with the conceptual frameworks, vernacular and perspectives of researchers from other disciplines.

At the same time, developing specialized skills in a discipline is a hallmark of the program, which is why you specialize in one of five concentrations:

• Decision Sciences
• Methods for Policy Research
• Political Analysis

The PhD in Health Policy degree is awarded by the  Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS). Our graduates leave the program well equipped to make an impact in academia, government agencies, research institutes, think tanks, foundations, and multinational corporations. 

• Degrees Offered

PhD in Health Services

Description.

The PhD Program in Health Services trains health services researchers and health policy analysts for careers in academic institutions, health delivery systems, public health departments, government agencies, and the private sector. The program prepares students to conduct high-quality independent, collaborative research and policy analysis by offering multidisciplinary, applied research opportunities on a wide variety of topics under the close mentorship of faculty. Students obtain advanced knowledge of the determinants of population health and of the health care system and they are exposed to several competing theoretical frameworks for conceptualizing both population health and the provision of health care. They develop research skills to identify and critically analyze the social, behavioral and health system effects on health and how organization, delivery, financing, and management of health services affect system performance.

Likely Careers

Health services researchers in academic institutions, health delivery systems, public health departments, government agencies, and the private sector, including insurance, pharmacy and biotechnology industries.

Applicants who have a bachelor, master, or professional degree in a field related to health services are given preference over applicants who do not have such experience. 

Application Deadline:    December 15

Application Deadline:   Dec. 15, for Autumn Quarter entry

Competencies

Upon satisfactory completion of the PhD in Health Services, graduates will be able to:

• Meet the  learning objectives of the MS program in Health Services ; 
• Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of the determinants, trends and major issues confronting U.S. health care/policy and its effect on individual and population health and health inequalities;
• Critically appraise journal articles, evaluate the evidence, synthesize findings, draw inferences and apply alternative theoretical and conceptual models from a range of relevant disciplines to health services (HS);
• Use knowledge of the structures, process/quality, performance, policy, and environmental context to formulate solutions for health and health care problems;
• Explain how to collect primary health and health care data obtained by survey, abstracts of medical records (including electronic medical records), and qualitative or mixed methods;
• Assemble secondary data from existing public and private sources and apply various statistical techniques to answer HS questions;
• Develop in-depth substantive/disciplinary knowledge and method skills in an area of emphasis and apply to health services problems demonstrating application of AoE to dissertation work;
• Ensure the ethical and responsible conduct of research in the design, implementation and dissemination of HS research;
• Critically appraise grants, understand the grant writing and review process, write research proposals, and Final Dissertation Proposal approved by faculty as part of the general examination;
• Work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams;
• Conduct an independent HS research study of publishable quality, characterized by conceptual and methodological rigor, as well as practical value;
• Effectively communicate issues, research findings, and implications of HS through multiple modalities to appropriate professional, scientific, policy, and lay audiences;
• Collaborate with policy makers, organizations, and communities to plan, conduct and translate research into health policy and practice; and
• Participate and assist in teaching or clinical practice while in the program.

Ph.D. in Public Health – Health Services Research

Mission and Purpose

The Ph.D. program in Public Health – Health Services Research concentration prepares individuals to help inform government officials, corporate leaders, clinicians, health plan managers and others making choices about complex health-related problems and issues. Students in the Ph.D. Program learn to apply research methods and scientific knowledge to the study of health services organizations and systems. Throughout the program, students acquire the skills of analytic and critical thinking essential to conducting health services research.

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Golden minds in the golden years: Dr. Ashley Curtis' research on aging and cognitive wellness

• Tiffani Torres
• May 22, 2024

Current News , Research

As humans age, their minds and bodies undergo many changes. While many of these changes are a universal experience, such as graying hair and weakening bones, other changes, like those that affect the brain, raise many questions and concerns for researchers. Among them is Ashley Curtis, PhD, a trailblazing researcher in the USF College of Nursing, investigating how cognitive function relates to sleep in aging adults.

Director of the Cognition, Aging, Sleep and Health (CASH) Lab, housed at the college, Curtis’ research analyzes the impact of poor sleep health on the mental functioning of middle-age and older adults. She also aims to develop and evaluate cognitive interventions that may improve cognition and sleep in older adults. Curtis notes that 1 in 9 individuals 65 years and older will develop Alzheimer’s, with two thirds of those being women. She says her studies aid in Alzheimer’s research by pointing to sex-specific modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline that can potentially be monitored and treated in older adults during a critical period – before the onset of severe cognitive decline.

Ashley Curtis, PhD, poses with her Valerie D Riddle, M.D., Award in Health.

“It is really important to better understand the factors that may interact and impact mental abilities as we age,” says Curtis.  “This will help middle-aged and older adults know how they can decrease their risk of developing severe cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.”

Through several grant funded projects, Curtis and her team at the CASH Lab are exploring computerized cognitive training- and looking at its impact on mental functioning and sleep.

Curtis has been passionate about aging and sleep studies throughout her career. Her journey began as a sleep technician in a sleep clinic after completing her undergraduate degree, where she observed firsthand how sleep patterns affect brain signals. As she pursued her doctoral and post-doctoral training in cognitive aging, neurodegeneration and behavioral sleep medicine, Curtis seamlessly integrated her interests.

Curtis’ research recently earned her the Valerie D Riddle, M.D., Award in Health at the USF WLP Faculty Excellence Awards. 

Learn More About The CASH LAB

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USF Health College of Nursing News highlights the great work of our trailblazing faculty, staff, and students! The College of Nursing is an integral part of USF Health and the University of South Florida. USF Health College of Nursing -- Where Nursing Trailblazers Belong!  

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Hundreds of School of Pharmacy Graduates Entering Field

May 22, 2024    |   By Andrew Tie

The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) held multiple convocation ceremonies last week, with hundreds of new graduates entering the field.  

On May 17, UMSOP celebrated 94 graduating  Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students   at The Lyric Baltimore.

“We at the School of Pharmacy are so very proud of you,” said Sarah L.J. Michel, PhD , UMSOP dean and professor of pharmaceutical sciences, who presided over graduation for the first time as dean. “As you go into the world and start your career in pharmacy, I am looking forward to hearing about your accomplishments. Whatever path you take, continue to be resilient, tenacious, and altruistic. Continue to lead.”  

Some students challenged themselves to complete pathways in geriatric and palliative care, pharmapreneurship — an initiative created by UMSOP in 2017 that represents the development of pharmacy entrepreneurs to address the nation’s health care challenges — pharmacotherapy, and research, while others completed graduate certificates or dual degrees in pharmacometrics and regulatory science.  

Others took on leadership positions in the Student Government Association or the University Student Government Association. And some participated in legislative advocacy.  

“If you think back to when you first started school here, how many skills did you have? How many lives could you save? How many proper medications could you think about and administer? Look at you today. Look at how excellent you’ve become,” said Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS , president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), in conferring PharmD degrees to the graduates.  

In reflecting on his journey through pharmacy school, Javier Trujillo, PharmD ’24 , recalls moving to Maryland not knowing anyone and developing friendships with classmates.   

During his fourth year, he worked at the Maryland Poison Center , which he said changed his career interests toward toxicology.  

“I absolutely loved working at the Maryland Poison Center. It was more fulfilling than anything I’ve ever done,” Trujillo said.  

In addition to the PharmD Ceremony, UMSOP celebrated its in-person and virtual PhD and MS programs between May 14-18. They included:  

• The Pharmaceutical Health Services Research program — part of the Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research — which recognized three PhD and three MS graduates in the Saratoga Building President’s Boardroom on May 16 before a UMB hooding ceremony for PhD students. 
• The PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PSC) program, which recognized 10 doctoral graduates on May 16 before a UMB hooding ceremony for PhD students. 
• The MS in PSC program, which held its convocation ceremony on May 15 to recognize its 22 graduates. 
• The Graduate Studies in Medical Cannabis Science program, which held a ceremony at the Universities at Shady Grove on May 14 to honor 135 MS and six certificate graduates. 
• The MS and Graduate Certificate in Regulatory Science program, which held a convocation ceremony on May 15 to recognize its 25 master’s and seven certificate graduates. Six of the MS students also graduated from UMSOP this year with their PharmD. 
• The MS in Pharmacometrics program, which held its graduation online on May 18 to recognize its 16 graduating students 

“We are so proud of the Class of 2024 across our PhD and MS programs,” Michel said. “Whether you’re working on discoveries in a lab, advocating for legislative and policy changes, or evaluating pharmaceutical services and interventions, we know you are and will continue to be leaders, innovators, and change makers in your respective fields.”  

Jassmin Brown, MS ’24 , has a business background and said she’s looking into entrepreneurial opportunities in the medical and adult-use cannabis markets. Based in Richmond, Va., Brown described the program as exciting, motivating, and entertaining.  

“I drive to Maryland to participate in volunteer activities, make connections with my friends and faculty, and, honestly, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made because I’ve not only made lifetime friends, but also family,” Brown said.  

During the PharmD ceremony, Jarrell presented an honorary Doctor of Science degree to R.F. “Rick” Shangraw, Jr., PhD, MPA , president of Cintana Education, for which UMSOP nominated him.  

Shangraw has long been part of the UMSOP community as the son of the late Ralph F. Shangraw, a former department chair and professor emeritus of pharmaceutics. The honorary degree recognizes Shangraw’s involvement with and advocacy for advancing pharmacy education, research, and practice.  

“As you go out into the world, keep that entrepreneurial spirit to be innovative, to be creative, to think of new ways to do your job, to bring new ideas,” said Shangraw, who has been a supporter of the pharmapreneurship  initiative, the school’s commitment to supporting and best positioning faculty and students to achieve their career aspirations and address health care challenges.

“Many professions around the world are changing dramatically, and pharmacy is certainly one of them,” Shangraw added. “So it’s vitally important to bring this concept of pharmapreneurship to your job.”  

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College of Medicine

Interdisciplinary health sciences program meet ameer ghaderi ihs program class of 2025.

Hometown: Marietta, Ga. Undergraduate: Georgia State University

Can you tell me a little about yourself before you came to Drexel?

When I was younger I moved around a lot but ended up spending most of my teenage life in Marietta, GA. I attended Georgia State University for my Bachelor’s in Chemistry. Once I graduated I moved to Virginia for a job in pharmaceuticals and after a few years in the work force I realized that I needed to head back to school to pursue a career in medicine. In my spare time you can find me running, messing around with my 3D printer or watching soccer.

When did you know that you wanted to go into medicine?

Growing up I always enjoyed science so I pursued a degree in chemistry and ended up working in pharmaceuticals. I enjoyed the job though I felt like there was something missing so I quit and got a job working in the Cardiac ICU during the peak of the COVID pandemic. It was a real eye opening experience seeing how the health care field was during the pandemic. Seeing how the Doctors and other health care professionals dealt with the normal aspects of their jobs while dealing with COVID was inspirational for me. Even with the added pressure from COVID I really enjoyed working in health care and that’s when I knew that I had to pursue a career in the field.

Why did you choose to apply to Drexel’s Interdisciplinary Health Sciences (IHS) program?

When I was looking to increase my competitiveness for medical school I wanted a program that was structured, allowed me to get involved with the community and allow me to pursue my interests. Drexel’s IHS program checked all those boxes.

The advisors and faculty here are always willing to help. Reaching them is very easy - they’re all just one email away. Having the advisors give you advice based on your personal goals has been a massive help in figuring out what needs to get done. Being able to tailor my schedule to what I enjoy and having research/volunteer experiences built into the program was a huge draw for me.

How is the program going so far?

The course work was challenging at first since it had been a few years since I was in school but the support from my classmates and faculty helped me overcome those difficulties. In this one year I have managed to learn how to be a better student and will be able to tackle my second year head on. During this one year I’ve become friends with so many people and know that these friendships will continue after we have all graduated from this program.

Have you been involved with any organizations or in any community service experiences since entering the program?

In my first semester here at Drexel I managed to start an organization called Dragon Claws with a second year IHS student. The focus of the organization is to provide 3D printed prosthetics to children from low income households, mostly aiming for households in the Philadelphia area. Besides printing off prosthetics our club aims to inspire the youth into pursuing a STEM related field by giving presentations at local schools. This past spring we had the pleasure of presenting our club and all its work at Explore and Serve Day.

I wanted to get more involved with the Drexel community so I ran for Vice President of our Graduate Student Association and won. This fall I hope to be involved in the Mentor-Mentee program as well to help out the incoming students with any issues they may have.

Can you tell me about any research you have been doing?

Currently I am doing research in the Detloff lab, which is in the Neurobiology and Anatomy in Drexel’s College of Medicine. The lab studies how injury and rehabilitative exercise regulates pain and sensorimotor function following a spinal cord injury.

What are you planning to do after you graduate?

Once I graduate, I plan on applying to medical school in the 2025-2026 cycle. While I wait to hear back I plan on working in either research or health care, and to continue volunteering in my spare time.

What advice do you have for students who are considering coming to Drexel’s IHS program?

My advice for anyone considering IHS is to make sure that the program aligns with your goals. Once you’re here be ready to work hard because you get what you put into the program. Also don’t be afraid to reach out for help, whether it’s faculty or the friends you’ve made. In just one year I’ve managed to accomplish so much and I still have another year to go. If you’re looking to push yourself academically and reach your goals then Drexel IHS is the place for you.

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Wednesday, June 12, 2024

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A world-class city filled with art and culture and an incredible campus that offers cutting edge resources–that’s what students receive at Penn Nursing. And that’s just the start. Penn Nursing and the wider university offer something for everyone, as well as a lifelong community.

Penn Nursing is globally known for educating dynamic nurses—because our School values evidence-based science and health equity. That’s where our expertise lies, whether in research, practice, community health, or beyond. Everything we do upholds a through-line of innovation, encouraging our exceptional students, alumni, and faculty share their knowledge and skills to reshape health care.

Penn Nursing students are bold and unafraid, ready to embrace any challenge that comes their way. Whether you are exploring a career in nursing or interested in advancing your nursing career, a Penn Nursing education will help you meet your goals and become an innovative leader, prepared to change the face of health and wellness.

Penn Nursing is the #1-ranked nursing school in the world. Its highly-ranked programs help develop highly-skilled leaders in health care who are prepared to work alongside communities to tackle issues of health equity and social justice to improve health and wellness for everyone.

Penn Nursing’s rigorous academic curricula are taught by world renowned experts, ensuring that students at every level receive an exceptional Ivy League education . From augmented reality classrooms and clinical simulations to coursework that includes experiential global travel to clinical placements in top notch facilities, a Penn Nursing education prepares our graduates to lead.

Patricia D’Antonio, PhD, Transitions from Standing Faculty

Patricia D’Antonio, PhD, RN, FAAN , the Carol E. Ware Professor in Mental Health Nursing, Professor of Nursing, and an internationally recognized historian of nursing and leader in nursing education, will transition from her faculty role on June 30th, 2024.

D’Antonio’s research demonstrates nurses’ strong influence on health, social mobility, diversity, and the development of cultural and health care norms. She has a record of accomplishment of consistent funding, including fellowships from the College of Physicians of Philadelphia and the American Academy of Nursing. She is a Senior Fellow at the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics and has co-authored seven books. Her most recent work, Nursing with a Message: Public Health Demonstration Projects in New York City, 1920-1940 , was featured by the Rockefeller Archive Center and awarded the Choice Outstanding Academic title. Her work argues that nurses were central in promoting the current norms of primary care within a health care system that reflected and refracted political, gendered, racialized norms, and it highlights how nurses supported economically and racially marginalized families’ equitable access to services available to white, middle-class families. In her earlier book, American Nursing: A History of Knowledge, Power, and the Meaning of Work , D’Antonio drew on firsthand accounts by White and African American men and women nurses to discover how strong gender and racial hierarchies reinforced how these groups historically viewed themselves and each other and underscored the importance of forging a strong nursing identity to bridge some of the historical divides within systems of care and education.

From 2015-2023, D’Antonio served as Director of Penn Nursing’s Barbara Bates Center for the Study of the History of Nursing . From 2010-2020, she served as Chair of the Department of Family and Community Health. She championed and supported the development of faculty in their academic, research, and service roles. D’Antonio has impacted faculty, staff, and students with her deep knowledge of nursing and commitment to excellence. In her teaching, she helps students focus on using history to analyze contemporary issues in health care practice, health policy, and public health.

D’Antonio has received many awards including the President’s Award from the American Association for the History of Nursing; the Nursing Outlook Excellence in Policy Award; the 2015 Dean’s Award for Exemplary Citizenship; the M. Adelaide Nutting Award from the American Association for the History of Nursing; four American Journal of Nursing ‘Book of the Year’ awards; and was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau’s International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame in 2018. She received her BS degree Boston College School of Nursing; her MSN from Catholic University of America; and her PhD from the University of Pennsylvania.

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College of Education

$1.8 Million Will Support Graduate-Level Behavioral Health Students at Portland State University

by C. Steinmetz & E. Yussen May 20th 2024 Share

The need for qualified behavioral healthcare workers in Oregon’s communities is stronger than ever. The current workforce struggles to meet demand amidst a crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. To address this demand, Oregon House Bill 4071 (2022) and House Bill 2949 (2021) directed the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to increase the recruitment and retention of behavioral health providers. With this direction, OHA has awarded Portland State University (PSU) $1,870,222 to support students enrolled in two programs that train professionals in behavioral health: the Master of Social Work (MSW) and the Master in Counselor Education.

These funds, which will be divided proportionally between each program, will cover tuition costs for an estimated 100 students. Each student may receive up to $15,000 in tuition assistance and up to $3,000 in stipends per academic year. Recipients must be in good academic standing and commit to working in Oregon upon their graduation.

“This training grant serves as an important means to provide financial support to Counselor Education and MSW students in their final internship year, alleviating the financial burden that often accompanies their final year of education,” said Rana Yaghmaian, department chair and associate professor of Counselor Education.

Because underserved communities are disproportionately affected by behavioral health impacts and are underrepresented within the behavioral healthcare workforce, each program will prioritize supporting students who are interested in serving underserved communities, and share the identities and lived experiences of these communities. PSU’s School of Social Work and its Counselor Education department in the College of Education share a deep commitment to social justice, diversity, and inclusion in their academic and research programs. Students in these programs are trained to provide culturally and linguistically inclusive and identity-safe environments for those receiving services.

“Our aim is to continue to diversify the behavioral workforce by improving recruitment, retention, and capacity of culturally responsive, culturally specific, linguistically specific, and rural behavioral health care workers into communities across the state of Oregon,” said Lisa Hawash, director of the Master of Social Work Program and associate professor of practice.

These programs already partner with culturally-specific providers to deliver professional development to students in these programs, and offer flexible options for graduate education. Instruction is provided in online, in-person and hybrid formats to provide easy access for students to enter and successfully complete their degree regardless of geographic location and pace of education.

Financial constraints and a shortage of paid internships are major obstacles to graduation, especially for the non-traditional student. Providing tuition support and stipends will improve students’ persistence (that is, their ability to stay in school) and degree completion. Further, reducing student debt is expected to increase the likelihood that graduates will choose careers with community agencies and nonprofits.

“By investing in our students’ training, this grant will help lay the groundwork for a workforce dedicated to serving communities with whom they may share lived experience,” said Yaghmaian. 

• community impact

New funding will extend self-advocacy program for Chinese American families of children with developmental disabilities

• May 15, 2024
• Ann Kellett
• Community , Community Impact , Public Health , Show on VR homepage

A researcher with the Texas A&M University School of Public Health has been awarded $780,250 to extend her advocacy work with Chinese American families that have children with developmental disabilities into the Houston metroplex and the seven-county Brazos Valley region of Texas about 90 miles northwest of Houston.

Developmental disabilities are characterized by physical and intellectual impairment, including language use and/or behavioral functioning, as seen in conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. They emerge during a person’s development, are often permanent and may affect the individual’s ability to live independently.

“This project is important because with a population of more than 7 million, the Houston-Woodlands-Ford Bend metro area has the largest population of Chinese Americans with developmental disabilities in the state, and this cohort also is significantly underserved in the Brazos Valley,” said Lei-Shih “Lace” Chen , PhD, a professor of health behavior and the project’s principal investigator.

Chen noted that Asian Americans are the fastest-growing racial/ethnic group in the United States, with Chinese Americans being the largest Asian American subpopulation. In addition, more than 60 percent of this cohort are immigrants, and nearly 40 percent have limited English proficiency.

“As the mother of a child with developmental disabilities, I know the challenges that families face,” Chen said. “As an immigrant from Taiwan, which is deeply influenced by Chinese culture, I also know that traditional Chinese culture too often stigmatizes disabilities. In addition, the Chinese value of maintaining social harmony discourages advocacy of, or self-advocacy by, those affected.”

Chen will use the five-year grant from the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate support and advocacy/self-advocacy training for 250 Chinese Americans with developmental disabilities and their family members in the Houston-The Woodlands-Ford Bend metro area and also in the Brazos Valley. She received funding for a developmental disabilities-related project in the Brazos Valley last year.

Participants in the new project will learn how to integrate their new advocacy skills into their unique situations with help from Chinese American community health workers whom Chen and her team trained through a past project funded by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.

Finally, 20 Chinese Americans with developmental disabilities and their family members will be trained to become Texas Department of State Health Services-certified community health workers . Those who are certified will be pioneer advocate leaders who will actively lead and engage in community-based education and services for Chinese American communities with developmental disabilities.

This will be one of the first Mandarin-language programs in Texas to build advocacy and self-advocacy capacity for Chinese Americans with developmental disabilities and their family members, Chen said.

“I have heard many heartbreaking and frustrating stories of Chinese Americans who didn’t get help because they didn’t know where to find it or that they had rights to it,” Chen said. “I am very excited about this project and the opportunity for these voices finally to be heard.”

Media contact: [email protected]

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