Preparing Health Professionals for Advanced Practice in Population Health

Twelve years ago, Jefferson set out to create a college that would prepare the leaders that would make healthcare better, safer and more equitable. This has been a year like no other; it has tested our limits and exposed weaknesses and inequities in healthcare delivery. The world is ready for – and demanding – transformative change.

Alexis Skoufalos, EdD, has been a valued administrator and faculty member at Jefferson College of Population Health (JCPH) for nearly 15 years. Throughout her career, she has shown her commitment workforce development and helping health professionals acquire the skills they need to become effective leaders. It’s because of her combination of leadership, expertise and practical experience that JCPH tapped her to help develop its Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) in Population Health, a new doctoral program that prepares health professionals for advanced practice in the field.

“Our program was designed to help busy executives develop the skills and experience to lead with confidence. The combination of skill development, mentoring and leadership coaching prepares our graduates for professional and personal success,” Skoufalos said.

The rigorous, application-focused curriculum will prepare students to become change agents across a variety of dynamic employment settings – from hospitals, clinics and industry, to nonprofit organizations, government and academia.

The curriculum combines formal coursework and skill development with career-focused content. Online interactive course delivery allows you to work within the demands of your schedule. During twice a year in-person residencies, students will receive personalized attention and mentoring from faculty while developing their dissertation proposals. Other sessions will include career planning, coaching and soft skills practice.

A primary strength of this three-year, cohort-based program is that it includes health professionals from diverse areas, allowing them to benefit from one another’s perspective and experience. The aim is to create a community of practice that will help participants grow their professional network. Graduates will leave the program prepared to improve their organizations and solve real population health challenges.

According to Dr. Skoufalos, “Our goal is to provide an educational experience of the highest quality – exciting and relevant courses guided by leaders in the field, capped by an opportunity to roll up your sleeves and apply your new insights and capabilities in a dynamic healthcare setting.”

The initial cohort of 10-20 students is slated to launch in Spring 2021 (courses begin in January).  Applications for the program will open in late August.

For more information, visit Jefferson.edu/PopHealthDHSc or contact Dr. Skoufalos at alexis.skoufalos@Jefferson.edu.