ATSU-ASHS launches inaugural D.H.Sc winter institute
Posted: February 9, 2010MESA, Ariz. – In an era when healthcare reform is an ongoing concern for the public, students at A.T. Still University (ATSU) are addressing fundamental issues facing today’s healthcare system. ATSU’s Arizona School of Health Sciences (ASHS) is launching its first winter institute for its Doctor of Health Sciences (D.H.Sc.) program February 7-12. Approximately 70 students from across the United States and several international students will participate.
The D.H.Sc. is an online program that includes a one-week residential component, known on campus as the winter institute. A post-professional degree designed for master’s prepared healthcare professionals, the D.H.Sc. is one of only three such programs in North America.
“The Doctor of Health Sciences program has far exceeded expectations in its popularity for all health disciplines,” said Program Director Helen Ewing, D.H.Sc., R.N. “We have representation from the majority of disciplines including students from clinical practice, administration, research, and academia.”
During the winter institute, students will share their research projects with colleagues and faculty. Example topics include strategies for weight reduction, reduction of medication errors in healthcare, improved diets, workplace wellness programs, and incorporating exercise into daily activities.
The institute provides an opportunity for online students to meet face-to-face and discuss pertinent issues in healthcare with faculty. In addition, the institute affords a forum for sharing ideas from a multidisciplinary health professions perspective.
“The inaugural winter institute has long been anticipated as a highlight of the D.H.Sc. program,” said Dr. Ewing. “This is an exciting event that allows professionals from numerous health disciplines to come together and dialogue around theories studied during classes and discuss the application of coursework to their work environment. Students are very excited about the opportunity to come on campus and meet faculty and staff from departments instrumental to the program’s and their success.”