Global Health Research Methodologies
PHS 5185
Course Instructors: Rebecca Dillingham, MD, MPH & Liz Rogawski McQuade, PhD
Spring Semester One Credit Seminar
Every other Tuesday at the Center for Global Health, 4-6PM
Open to Undergraduate and Graduate Students
No Prerequisites
Course Description: This course is designed to facilitate the development of interdisciplinary student research in a global context. Seminars are designed to support rigorous project development and respectful interactions. The projects addressed in this course are eligible to apply for funding from the Center for Global Health, the Community Based Undergraduate Research Grant, Jefferson Public Citizens Award and other sources.
Overview of the U.S. Health Care System
GNUR 5390
Course Instructor: Rick Mayes, PhD
Spring Semester 3 Credits
Wednesdays, 7-9PM
Course Description: Because it turns out that health care is complicated after all, this course is designed to provide an overview of (1) how health care is financed, organized, and delivered in the U.S., as well as (2) the major policy challenges created by the system’s organization, or lack thereof. In drawing from a variety of perspectives—including political science, public health, economics and history—the course surveys the key stakeholders: those who pay for, provide and receive care. It contrasts the different ways that health care providers are paid, how and why reimbursement methods have changed over time, and their consequences for the quality, cost and accessibility of health care services. Finally, as a case study, the Affordable Care Act will be dissected for the purposes of illustrating the ways in which the U.S. health care system differs from those of other wealthy countries. No particular disciplinary background is assumed, nor is any special familiarity with the field of health care required.
Objectives:
1. To explain the structure of U.S. health care—how it is paid for, organized and delivered.
2. To delineate the role that provider and system factors play in the utilization of health services and its variation across different geographic regions.
3. To compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of the U.S. healthcare system with health systems in other wealthy countries in terms of cost, quality and access.
4. To understand and assess the overall composition of the health care workforce, how and why it has changed over time, and the factors that will shape it in the future.
5. To introduce students to valuable sources of credible, accurate, and current information in health: policy, expenditures, outcomes, and resources.
Workshop in Critical Public Health
PHS/GDS 2559
Course Instructor: Christopher Colvin, PhD
J-Term: January 2-12, 2019; 10am-3pm
Course Description: This course offers students a practical introduction to some of the core concepts and methods in public health. At the same time, it also demonstrates ways we might engage more critically with these basic concepts and methods. This “workshop” course will first introduce students to some of the basic concepts and methods in public health as well as the theoretical tools used to critique global public health. We will then workshop a proposal for a practical public health intervention that meaningfully integrates these critical perspectives and insights. [no prerequisites, open to all majors, 3 credits]
Global Public Health: Challenges and Innovations
PHS 3825
Course Instructor: Christopher Colvin, PhD
Spring Semester 2019:T/H 9:30 – 10:45
Course Description: We've made important advances in global health, but there's still a long way to go. What factors determine health? What threats do we face today? What issues should we be working to change? We will explore these questions and more through interactive lectures and small group activities. We will also engage via video conference with global health academics, activists and practitioners from South Africa who are working on HIV, TB, and sexual and reproductive health. [no prerequisites, open to all majors, 3 credits]
UVA in South Africa (Cape Town): Public Health Sciences
PHS 5820/1
Course Instructor: Christopher Colvin, PhD
Summer Study Abroad: June 15 – July 20, 2019
Course Description: This program provides students a mentored experience in the practice of community-based field research for public health. While many students can take research methods courses on Grounds, there are often limited opportunities for in-depth, practical experience with the real craft of research. This program introduces students to public health research by offering a hands-on opportunity to conduct a mentored research project in a community in Cape Town. The program includes credit for two courses (PHS 5820/5821). [no prerequisites, open to all majors, 6 credits for the two courses]
Global Humanitarian Crisis Response
LPPS 3295
Course Instructor: Kirsten Gelsdorf, Professor of Practice, Director, Global Humanitarian Policy
Spring Semester: Tu/Th 3:30-4:45
Course Description: Taught by the former United Nations Chief of Policy Analysis and Innovation for Humanitarian Affairs this course open to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year students will look at critical questions defining global humanitarian action and policy. The inability to deliver aid inside Syria, the growth of private sector involvement in humanitarian response, the challenges of providing accountability to affected populations, the complexity of addressing migration and refugee flows, are only some of the policy questions being faced in the humanitarian aid sector. Using historical and critical analysis, case studies, and insights from guest speakers; the foundations, dilemmas, and operational realities of providing humanitarian aid will be explored. Students will take on real-time professional applied assignments as well as critical thinking and contemplative assignments.