2000 OPEN FORUM Abstracts
Lessons Learned & Bridges Burned: Implementation of A Health Science Core Curriculum
Anna W. Parkman, MBA, RRT, CPFT The University of Charleston, Charleston, West Virginia
The Division of Health Sciences at the University of Charleston, in Charleston, West Virginia developed and implemented a 12-course inter-disciplinary core curriculum that spans four years. The core is utilized by Respiratory Care, Radiologic Science, Sports Medicine, and Nursing programs.
? Introduction to the Health Sciences
? Health Care Environment I: Safety
? Assessment I
? Assessment II
? Health Care Environment II: Communication
? Nutrition
? Pathophysiology
? Health Care Environment III: BioEthics
? Pharmacology
? Research I
? Research II
? Health Care Environment IV: Leadership
This presentation will cover the process and challenges of involving faculty from across four disciplines in the development of this creative and innovative approach. Discussion will include the politics involved, identification and brokering of commonalities and workloads, faculty collaboration, involvement and utilization, teaching resources, student reactions, and accreditation issues. Respiratory Care students in the junior year of the curriculum will join the Department Chair to offer their insights into the process from the student perspective.