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Health Professions & Institutions

PUBHLTH 139 (4.0 units) – Session II

The primary objective of this course is to introduce students to the history and changing patterns of healthcare and health-related professions and institutions in the U.S., emphasizing the public health system and careers.  Beginning with an overview of the components and settings of the health care system, we will cover the history and professionalization of medicine and public health, and address the structure of American medical and public health personnel and practice.  We will then turn to an analysis the major medical/healthcare professional categories (with an overview of the professional, semi-professional, and allied health care occupations assisting their work), followed by an analysis of the public health workforce, including professional, semi-professional, and occupational categories, and both traditional and nontraditional careers.  Students can expect to gain a broad understanding of the major roles, responsibilities, and careers across the professions of healthcare and public health. Prerequisite: PUBHLTH 1.