Evidence Based Practice: This comprehensive course in Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) is designed for PAs to enhance their clinical decision-making skills based on integration of current scientific evidence. This course covers the fundamental principles of EBM, including the critical appraisal of research, understanding biostatistics, and the application of implementation science.
PAs will learn how to efficiently search medical literature, critically evaluate both quantitative and qualitative studies, and apply findings to clinical practice. Emphasis is placed on introduction to research methodology, understanding the hierarchy of evidence, interpreting statistical results, and assessing the validity and applicability of different study designs.
Capstone I: Three separate courses over the 24-month curriculum. The purpose of the DMSc project is to improve outcomes through the translation of evidence into practice be it at the level of clinic, education, or leadership. During the doctoral study, students will synthesize learning throughout the program through the construction and dissemination of an evidence-based practice project. The project will be derived from practice (research), educational, or organizational (leadership) needs that focus on a change initiative such as a quality improvement project, creation of a policy or guideline, program/curriculum evaluation and intervention, or evaluation of a new practice model or curricular offering. Capstone I will focus on development of the question, identification of a faculty advisor and practice expert, and feasibility of their project.
Capstone II: This course will continue the capstone series with completion of data generation for the capstone project. The focus will be on completion of data accrual and analysis.
Capstone III: This course will be the culmination of the capstone series with completion of manuscript and presentation of findings for dissemination.
Research Design and Scholarly Writing: This course will continue to build evidence-based medicine concepts to DMSc students by providing in-depth, practical knowledge regarding common study designs for implementation science including quasi-experimental and non-experimental study designs. Students will also apply basic and inferential statistical techniques using a common statistical software package. Students will also improve their understanding about scholarly writing in terms of research manuscripts and research project funding proposals.
Research Methods: This course will build on the previous evidence-based medicine and capstone courses by providing in-depth information about health outcomes research and its utility in informing clinical care. This course will introduce students to outcomes research designs, measurement, and real-world data. Students will also improve students’ understanding about systematic reviews/meta-analysis and public health research methodologies.
Curriculum Development and Assessment: This course will examine various assessment models and techniques used to evaluate student classroom performance, student clinical performance, instructor performance and educational programs. This course will also incorporate a learner centered approach to course development and instructional delivery based on the best evidence of how people learn.
Contemporary Issues in Leadership: This course focuses on building knowledge of what constitutes highly effective and exemplary character-based leadership and helps students develop skills, competencies and mindsets to employ such leadership in action. The course uses readings, videos, case studies and lectures to cover various forms and styles of leadership for students to draw from to tailor their own approach to leading to get results with integrity.
Exemplary Leadership of Teams and Organizations: This course provides healthcare leaders with the skills, knowledge, mindsets, and tools to build and lead high-performing teams and organizations while exercising influence throughout the enterprise.
Leading Change in Healthcare Systems: PA leaders must be agile in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape to excel. Building upon previous coursework and foundational knowledge, this course is tailored for doctoral-level PAs seeking to explore and master the complex dynamics of leadership within the healthcare sector. Future PA leaders will acquire the skills necessary to navigate and lead effectively in clinical, research, and educational settings. This course is designed to empower PAs to excel in diverse roles, spanning management, administration, and executive leadership.
The Art of Learning: Teaching is equal parts art and science. This course will explore both art and science by providing a foundation in theories of teaching and learning. Designed with the professional learner in mind, we will explore the philosophical and developmental origins of learning theory with an emphasis on practical application for the creation of sound educational experiences that will engage and inspire.
Health Information Management Systems: A comprehensive introduction to various principles, tools, and concepts used to manage information within a healthcare environment. The course will explore the planning, evaluation, assessment, and accountability of quality service provisions, including health data visualization to gain healthcare insights for decision-making.
Financial Management of Healthcare Organizations and Research: This course focuses on the area of financial management as applied to healthcare organizations. The course’s emphasis is to apply the principles and concepts of healthcare financial management to healthcare providers that represent innovative new structures and organizations offering integrated patient care. Students will gain competency in the application of financial analysis tools and techniques through a case study approach. The financial tools and techniques covered include:
- Financial condition analysis using financial statements from healthcare companies.
- Break-even analysis and contribution margin analysis using “what-if” scenarios
- Pricing analysis techniques under different competitive conditions
- Managed care, value-based payments, and cost transparency
- Working capital management and cash budgeting
- Capital budgeting and cost of capital analysis.
- Return on investment analysis.
- Financial forecasting of future cash flows
Human Resources Management and Organizational Development: This course will explore how to manage an organization’s workforce planning through the design and implementation of effective human resources policies and procedures. Examples include processes and systems related to performance management, talent management, diversity and employee wellness.
Population Health and the American Healthcare System: An overview of healthcare delivery in the United States and Population Health. Analyze the structure and function of the American healthcare system, its policies, and their impact on population health. Equip yourself with the knowledge and insights necessary to drive positive change in healthcare for all.
Digital Health: The advancement of informatics in healthcare has allowed a convergence of digital technologies to improve overall quality, cost, health services outcomes, and patient experiences. This course will explore the theory, applied practice, and impact of current and emerging digital health technologies, such as wearables, mobile health and Internet of Things (IoT), as well as electronic health records/clinical documentation systems for all demographics.
Artificial Intelligence in Health Informatics: In this engaging course, we will delve into the bedrock principles of artificial intelligence (AI) and their profound applications in the realm of healthcare. Discover how AI revolutionizes disease prevention, detection, diagnosis, and prognosis, reshaping the landscape of healthcare innovation.
Healthcare Policy, Law and Ethics: This course covers six interrelated components impacting public health and health policy:
- Basic concepts of health
- Multiple factors impacting current policy development
- Economic implications
- Delivery systems impact
- The role of health professionals
- Advocacy/systems thinking approaches to public health and health policy issues
Conceptual Models of Quality & Safety: This course provides an overview of theoretical, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice models that are frequently used in patient safety and quality improvement literature. Students will explore organizational, system, and human factors impacting care; analyzing and applying select theoretical and conceptual models used across their various areas of healthcare.
