Innovative Doctoral Program Equips Healthcare Leaders For Critical and High-Demand Roles

Jhinelle Dawson ’21 MPH, ’23 DHSc couldn’t help but notice the flaws in the healthcare system in the U.S., and she was particularly troubled by the disparities in health outcomes that exist for marginalized populations. She wanted to help ensure that everyone – regardless of factors such as race or gender – could have access to quality care and be able to stay as healthy as possible.

An adjunct professor in the University’s Department of Population Health and Leadership, Dawson became interested in the University’s Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) program. She is now pursuing her doctorate – something that has long been a goal of hers.

“I would like to address health inequities and disparities that impact marginalized populations,” said Dawson, an area coordinator for the University’s Office of Residential Life. “I strongly believe that representation matters, and this degree will help me to step into places and have conversations about health and well-being that impact people who look like me.”

‘Step into any career path’

Directed by Jill Moore, Ed.D., MHA, the program prepares candidates such as Dawson for careers in administration, teaching, and applied research or practice. Candidates choose one of two tracks – educational or healthcare leadership – and develop critical skills that include data analysis, writing, research, and conceptual thinking. An online asynchronous program that includes two in-person residencies, it is designed to support the adult learner.

A longtime leader in healthcare administration, Dr. Moore managed a state public health program embedded in K-12 schools for nearly 15 years prior to overseeing the University’s DHSc program. She is committed to ensuring the quality and value of the program as well as continuing to expand it. One of her goals is to put each course through a Quality Matters review to ensure they are designed to best support student success.

“Quality assurance and supporting others – both faculty and students – is what matters most,” said Dr. Moore, who has been teaching at the University for nearly a decade. “Growing the program will bring more students and perspectives. The program is unique because it pulls from a wide variety of the various sectors of healthcare, and accepting more students in each class will support the learner-to-learner experience and sharing within the cohort.”

One of only a dozen similar programs in the country and one of only three in New England that offers a Doctor in Health Sciences degree, the program prepares candidates to be leaders. Dr. Moore, who has designed and taught a variety of courses within the University’s School of Health Sciences, is excited about the opportunities the DHSc will continue to create for students and alumni to excel.

“I enjoy working with a wide variety of adult learners,” she said. “All of the students in the DHSc program have experienced a solid career in healthcare in various roles. I appreciate their desire to learn in a way that will bring them high-level career opportunities. They are fully embracing their time in the program and are opening their minds and learning from experts in their fields. I hope the program will allow each graduate to be ready to step into any career path they desire.”

‘I am excited to see these new doors open’

There is a continuing high demand for employees in the healthcare sector who have advanced skillsets and can provide effective leadership, both in practice and in higher-education settings. There is also a national shortage of doctoral-trained faculty in the health sciences field who are qualified to teach at the master’s or doctoral level, and the program prepares candidates to fill those important roles.

"Our classes are set up to provide us with practical skills we can utilize as healthcare leaders."Jhinelle Dawson ’21 MPH.

DaShawn Robinson Sr. ’21 MHA, ’23 DHSc learned about the program when he was completing his Master of Healthcare Administration at the University. At the time, he was not considering continuing his education, but he began to think about the benefits of earning the highest degree in his field. With the support of his professors, he applied – and was accepted – into the program.

“I have enjoyed everything about this program,” said Robinson, who has chosen the healthcare leadership track. “This has been the most challenging educational process I have undertaken, but each step of the way, I have had support from the faculty and my classmates. I have learned so much, and I have already begun implementing my coursework into my professional and personal life. I know this is just the beginning of my professional journey, but I have many options for what I can do. I am excited to see these new doors open for me now.”

‘Skills we can utilize as healthcare leaders’

A principal trainer in the information technology services department of a health system, Robinson says the DHSc program has already helped him succeed professionally. He says he has developed his leadership skills, and that has enhanced the overall quality of his work and yielded opportunities for advancement.

“Every class I have had has been beneficial, and I have been able to implement assignments from multiple courses into my professional career,” he said. “The project from my first class was sent to the health system's CEO. Within hours, the CEO contacted the CIO and asked them to work with me on the ideas I wrote about. I took that assignment along with another project from another class and met with executives within the health system and began plans to implement it. I am now working with my manager on strategies and innovative initiatives from different classes to see how they can be implemented in my current work.”

That success is what the program is designed to foster, as it prepares candidates to apply their advanced knowledge in health sciences systems thinking. For Dawson, the adjunct professor and area coordinator, the program has been a valuable and enjoyable way for her to connect with other professionals in her field while gaining hands-on practical experience.

“I love how close my cohort and I are, and we are always supporting one another and cheering each other on,” she said. “Our classes are set up to provide us with practical skills we can utilize as healthcare leaders. I'm excited about my doctoral research, and I can't wait to defend my work at the end of next semester.”