"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."
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 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."
Frances received her MHSA in health services administration from Florida International University and a BA in business administration from Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. In addition to serving as the faculty director for HSM, she teaches:
- HSM 3521 – Health Care Delivery Systems
- HSM 4521 – Inclusion and Equity in Health Care Management