How do those in the health professions care – for themselves and others?
The Minor in Arts and Humanities Healthcare (AHH), a new care concept in pre-health education, emphasizes compassionate communication, empathy, ethics, and transcultural differences and intersectionality to improve healthcare interactions. Father Jake Foglio, an MSU graduate, medical school faculty, and mentor to countless people, embodied a deep love for humanity and the human quest for wholeness and healing. He inspired the creation of this new minor, which is planned to begin in Fall 2025. This undergraduate degree pathway, which is a collaboration between the College of Arts & Letters and MSU Health Sciences, aligns with the MSU 2030 Strategic Plan pillars of Sustainable Health, Student Success, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The interdisciplinary program offers a unique combination of curricular and co-curricular opportunities and prioritizes pathways for students from underrepresented groups.
Recognizing growth in health-related professions, the Arts and Humanities Health Degree Pathway will ultimately include two post-graduation tracks: one toward provider roles i.e., doctors, practitioners, nurses, and another focusing on patient care improvement and non-provider health careers. Future plans include developing multiple advising pathways to health professions and a new major.
As the COVID years demonstrate, students committed to service professions must prioritize their well-being and understand the physical and physiological basis for healthcare and the systemic and institutional realities that impact individuals and communities. These factors influence healthcare access as well as healing, medicine, and care. MSU’s approach to advancing health and excellence in health education prioritizes people, communities, partnerships, and innovation. The College of Arts & Letters and MSU Health Sciences have begun to collaborate with partners within and outside the university to compassionately bring hope, health, and healing to all people.
Author:
Sonja R. Fritzsche, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies and Administration
Professor of German Studies, MSU College of Arts & Letters