ATSU Doctor of Education in Health Professions program provides knowledge, skills, opportunities
Posted: March 12, 2024
A.T. Still University-College of Graduate Health Studies (ATSU-CGHS) Doctor of Education in Health Professions (EdD) student Robin Moreno, MHA, FACHE, was exploring her options for a doctorate program when she learned about ATSU’s EdD program.
Initially, Moreno thought she’d pursue a Doctor of Health Administration, but after reviewing her options she concluded such a program wouldn’t stretch her beyond her comfort zone when considering her master’s degree and years of experience in healthcare leadership.
ATSU’s EdD, however, appeared to be an attractive challenge.
“The ATSU-CGHS EdD program stands out as one of the rare fully online doctorate degrees in health professions education. This flexibility enabled me to manage my studies alongside other commitments,” Moreno said. “Drawing from my experience not only as a healthcare executive but also as an adjunct professor in other online programs, I can affirm that ATSU’s program seamlessly integrates web-based instructions, directed readings, and engaging discussions among students and faculty. It fosters a comprehensive grasp of health professions education, emphasizing ethical standards and cultural diversity. Moreover, I completed a doctoral research project, honing my ability to apply research to professional practice.”
Moreno, who will complete the program this month, has already reaped many benefits from her experience with ATSU-CGHS.
“The ATSU-CGHS EdD program offers several benefits that impact my professional life, especially in the realm of communication and healthcare workforce education,” she said. “The expertise from this program positions me to lead and influence the workforce from within my organization by honing communication skills, which are crucial for effective teaching and leadership. It provides skills to examine the current state of an organization’s workforce as well as the state of health professions education, enabling me to better address challenges and contribute to improvement.
“The program also provides cultural sensitivity in understanding diverse perspectives for efficient communication in fostering an inclusive healthcare environment. These benefits from the program enable me to effectively convey knowledge and lead teammates, furthering my possibilities of career advancement.”
Balancing the demands of the program with her life and career was a challenge, Moreno said, requiring her to call upon her experience as a healthcare leader and fellow in the American College of Healthcare Professionals. Moreno said ATSU provides students with valuable resources, such as online libraries, with helpful librarians and professors, as well as guidance and mentorship during her doctoral research project.
There was also a great deal of camaraderie amongst the program’s students.
“I came away from this program with a cherished cohort, known as ‘The Ugly Babies,’ and together we celebrated wins along our journey,” she said.