HSM 4521

About This Course

Through reflection and discussion, this course explores equity and disparities in health care related to bias, race, ethnicity, language, culture, and other diversities. Provides the knowledge, discernment, and leadership skills to develop and advocate for ethical and just health care services focusing on inclusivity, equity, and belonging to improve access, delivery, and outcomes. Students will have the opportunity to strategize and analyze case studies, organizational models, and programs. Culminates with the development of an innovative social justice program aimed at improving health care equity and access to an under-served or vulnerable population segment.

Instructors

Frances Fernandez headshot
Frances Fernandez

"Our HSM program incorporates DEI principles into our curriculum and content, including addressing topics such as health disparities, cultural competency, social determinants of health, the impact of diversity in health care delivery, etc. We also promote inclusive pedagogy that involves using teaching strategies that accommodate different learning styles, and engage diverse perspectives and foster inclusive classroom discussions. And our program has one of the most diverse student populations within the U, which creates opportunities for our students to share and reflect on different perspectives and health care equity needs of our growing population."

MHSA, health services administration, Florida International University; BA, business administration, Interamerican University of Puerto Rico

Frances Fernandez has over 25 years of experience in both nonprofit and for-profit executive health care leadership in a variety of settings, including home health, hospital-based outpatient services, research and education, assisted living, and consulting. She is particularly interested in human development and minority empowerment, and works fearlessly to promote inclusivity, diversity, and equity in human services. Frances is an advocate of mental health awareness and education, particularly for youth, and in her professional career has received accolades and recognition for quality initiatives and grant allocations for access, increased and improved healthcare services for the HIV/AIDS population. She enjoys teaching and developing course materials as well as mentoring our future healthcare leaders. 

Frances is a member of the CCAPS DEI Faculty subcommittee as well as the CCAPS Student Success subcommittee where she is excited to collaborate in changes and improvement in diversity, equity, inclusivity, and belonging as well as continued student success initiatives for the college. For more about Frances' career and visions for the HSM program, read "Putting the 'Care' in Health Care."

  • HSM 3521 – Health Care Delivery Systems
  • HSM 4521 – Inclusion and Equity in Health Care Management

Information Subject to Change

Course details, syllabus, and instructor are subject to change. Current course details can be found by clicking on the Term link(s) above.