Interdisciplinary Studies: Health & Medical Humanities
The Health & Medical Humanities Program explores the intersection of health, illness, and the human experience through the lens of the humanities. Students in this program study not only the biological and medical aspects of health and illness, but also the social, cultural, historical, and ethical dimensions of these topics. By examining the ways in which healthcare is delivered, received, and understood, students gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue a variety of career paths in healthcare, research, policy, education, and more.
Sample Occupations
- Activities/Recreation Director
- Caregiver Support Coordinator
- Community Health Worker
- Director of Social Services
- Entrepreneur
- Health and Medical Humanities Consultant
- Health Educator
- Home Health Services Coordinator
- Law Enforcement
- Lobbyist
- Marketing
- Mental Health Counselor
- Researcher
- Social & Community Service Manager
- Social Worker
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Pharmacy Manager
- Occupational Therapist
- Medical Scribe
- Nurse
- Public Health Educator
- Physician
- Wellness Program Director
- Clinical Researcher
- Bioethicist Clinical Ethicist
- Community Health Worker
- Health Educator
- Health Policy Analyst
- Healthcare Administrator
- Medical Writer/Editor
- Patient Advocate
- Researcher
- Teacher/Professor
- Therapist/Counselor
- Volunteer Coordinator
Types of Employers
- Health Systems (Hospitals, Clinics, Hospice, Mental and Behavioral Health
- Work and Job Placements Agencies
- Social Services (Family Service Agencies, DSS, Adult Protective Services)
- Corporations (Public and Private)
- For-profit and Non-profit Industries
- Research
- Federal, State, and Local Legislative Bodies (Transportation, Housing, and Social Welfare)
- Advocacy Organizations (Local, Regional, and National)
- Education
- Product Development
- Marketing Companies
- Human Resources
- Hospitals, Clinics, and other Healthcare Organizations
- Non-profits and Advocacy Organizations
- Research institutions
- Think Tanks
- Government agencies
- Public Health Organizations
- Educational institutions (K-12 to Higher Education)
- Private Businesses
- Consulting Firms
Preparing for your career in
Develop Your Critical Thinking Skills: Studying the humanities can help you develop critical thinking skills that are essential in the healthcare field. You will be able to analyze complex situations from multiple perspectives and make well-informed decisions.
Gain Relevant Experience: Participate in internships, volunteer work, and research assistantships to gain hands-on experience in the healthcare field. Seek out opportunities to work with diverse populations and in a variety of settings.
Master Foundational Principles: Students should understand the historical, cultural, and social contexts that shape healthcare delivery and the experiences of patients and caregivers. They should also understand the ethical principles and values that guide healthcare decision-making.
Specific Education Avenues: To prepare for a career in health and medical humanities, students can complete a major or minor in the field, or a related discipline such as bioethics, medical anthropology, or health policy. Graduate programs in health humanities are also available at several institutions. Students should seek out opportunities for interdisciplinary coursework and research.
How do I know if its right for me?
ASSESS: Take a career assessment, such as PathwayU, to see how your interests, values, and personality fit with majors and careers.
RESEARCH: Research the careers on this WCIDWAMI and thousands of other careers using O*Net Online, The Occupational Outlook Handbook or FirstHand.
EXPLORE: Learn more about a career field of interest by job shadowing, attending a career panel, or participating in a Career Trek. Further your exploration while gaining valuable skills by completing an internship, co-op, volunteer, or research experience.