Health Beyond Hospital Systems: Transforming Care from Social Determinants to Strategy

Catalog description

This course prepares future healthcare leaders to understand and address the social determinants of health (SDOH) as they shape outcomes for underserved populations across the lifespan. Through practitioner-led panels, guest lectures, and case-based discussions, students will examine critical issues such as the lifelong effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), the challenges of elder care, the importance of culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS), and the global dimensions of health inequity. With insights from regional and national health leaders, students will also explore the evolving landscape of policy, the economics of SDOH, and the organizational realities of balancing mission with margin. Emphasizing leadership, systems thinking, and cross-sector collaboration, the course equips students to design strategies that advance health equity while ensuring sustainable healthcare delivery. Offered as HSMC 455 and MBAP 432H .