Western’s Joint Graduate Program in Health Information Science

Knowledge Translation & Exchange Health Policy Health Informatics Health Services and Systems Research Health Information Seeking & Use Consumer Health Information Health Knowledge Management Knowledge Brokers Theories of Health Information Behaviour Master’s & PhD in Health Information Science Health Information Science PhD/MHIS Program

Master and PhD preparation in the emerging discipline of Health Information Science –foster critical inquiry and creativity –flexible research and study options (e.g., course and thesis-based options in the MHIS) Interdisciplinary –Jointly offered by FIMS and FHS –Affiliated Faculty for research supervisions, and required and elective courses from Schulich, Law, and others Overview

Health Information Science PhD/MHIS Program MHIS Program Options (2 years) Course-based option –4 required courses –3 elective courses –Major Research Project Thesis option –5 required courses –Thesis proposal, dissertation and defence PhD Program (4 years) –2 required, 2 elective courses –Comprehensive exam –Proposal and Thesis Program Requirements

Health Information Science PhD/MHIS Program What’s the program about? The program provides students with fundamental knowledge in health and health care, combined with expertise in knowledge management, health informatics, eHealth and mHealth, knowledge translation, and health information seeking behaviour. Is there funding? Yes. Financial support includes a competitive funding package. Students have ample opportunities to act as Teaching and Research Assistants across both faculties. What are the advantages of an interdisciplinary program? Students complete their course work through courses offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Information and Media Studies, with broad faculty expertise in all aspects of health studies, information studies and communications. Electives are also available from across campus. FAQs

Health Information Science PhD/MHIS Program Can I customize my program of study? Yes. Links with other Western Faculties mean that students can access courses and supervisors to build expertise suited to their future goals, including health and medical informatics, legal and business aspects of health systems, clinical medicine and research, and health psychology and sociology. Course- or thesis-based options are available, and each provides a research-intensive experience. What do I need to get in? Students come into HIS from various backgrounds, including non-health degrees (e.g. psychology). The key thing is a critical and open mind, and the capacity to do empirical research. Apart from good grades (min 78% avg) and reference letters, we look for strong writing skills (a writing sample is requested) and some initial research ideas. We also look for research methods courses in your undergrad. FAQs cont…

Thank you for coming! For more information: Shelley Long, Grad Student Services: Dr. Nadine Wathen, HIS Coordinator: