As one of a relatively small number of public research universities connected to a leading school of medicine, academic health system, comprehensive cancer center, and expansive clinical network, the UW is uniquely positioned to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals. The state, region, and nation face growing workforce needs in healthcare, while many undergraduate students remain unaware of the diverse and numerous academic pathways that can lead to careers in medicine and healthcare more broadly. As the healthcare landscape becomes ever-more complex, it requires professionals who are educated in a wide range of disciplines. Increasingly, leaders in healthcare look for students with a liberal arts education as being among the most desirable candidates for admission to their degree programs.
In recent conversations between Dianne Harris, Katherine and John Simpson Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, and Tim Dellit, the CEO of UW Medicine, executive vice president for medical affairs, and Paul G. Ramsey Dean of the UW School of Medicine, both leaders identified a shared opportunity to broaden and clarify pre-health pathways for students. While many Arts & Sciences students identify as “pre-med” and pursue majors in the natural sciences, Dean Dellit expressed strong interest in attracting future healthcare professionals who have a liberal arts education and who study in disciplines across the humanities, social sciences, and arts as well.
Following several meetings between Arts & Sciences and School of Medicine leadership, Dean Harris asked Adair Rounthwaite (Chair, Division of Art History; Floyd and Delores Jones Endowed Professor) to convene a faculty working group from across the College and the School of Medicine to develop recommendations focused on expanding and supporting pre-health pathways for CAS undergraduates. This group included Audrey Dorélien (Sociology), Adam Warren (History), Tim Brown (Bioethics & Humanities), Malia Fullerton (Bioethics & Humanities), Marieke S. van Eijk (Anthropology), and Carina Fourie (Philosophy).
The resulting report outlines several potential initiatives, including the creation of an interdisciplinary “Health and Society” minor, expanded student cohorting and community-building opportunities, and a “My Health Pathway” communications initiative to increase awareness of health-related courses, careers and resources across the College. The report with its recommendations will be shared with the next dean of the college for their consideration.
Together, these initiatives aim to elevate the visibility of the College’s rich, multi-disciplinary strengths in health and society more visible, accessible, and connected for students pursuing a broad range of healthcare and health-related careers.
