SOUTHWESTERN OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF PHARMACY

Doctorate of Community Health Program Overview

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the DCH program, graduates will have developed expertise to:

1. Lead Innovation: Evaluate and formulate innovative strategies in modern healthcare
2. Analyze Critically: Synthesize complex health data to inform strategic decisions
3. Coordinate Teams: Orchestrate interdisciplinary teams for healthcare transformation
4. Ensure Excellence: Foster operational excellence and quality improvement
5. Promote Equity: Address health disparities and social determinants of health
6. Think Strategically: Apply design thinking to healthcare challenges
7. Manage Resources: Ensure financial sustainability of community health programs

REQUIRED CORE COURSES (7 courses, 3 credit hours each, 8-week format)

Health Cultural Competency (DCH 7103)

• Full title: Cultural Competency: Psychodynamics, Health Disparities, and Social Determinants of Health
• Course focus: Evaluating and integrating knowledge of social determinants of health, psychodynamics, health disparities, and cultural competency to promote equitable healthcare services across diverse populations
• Expertise developed: Health equity analysis, cultural assessment skills, population health management, health disparities research, community engagement strategies, behavioral health competencies
• Course Description: This course explores the complex interplay between cultural factors, psychological processes, health disparities, and social determinants of health in community settings. Students will examine how cultural competency impacts healthcare delivery and outcomes, analyze psychodynamic theories relevant to health behaviors, and investigate the root causes of health disparities. The course emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing social determinants of health to promote equity and improve community health outcomes. Students will gain practical skills in cultural assessment, community engagement, and developing innovative, culturally appropriate health initiatives.