May 21 – July 1, 2024

Advancing Health Equity (HCIN6160-001)

Kimberly T. Arnold, PhD, MPH and Kevin Ahmaad Jenkins, PhD

Against a backdrop of policy experimentation and growing evidence of effective practices, this course explores the work of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in health care organizations, clinical spaces, and affected communities. Throughout the course, students survey the context of health disparities and health equity—a definition of terms, the state of the evidence, and relevant historical background. Students examine opportunities and limitations of ADEI programs. Students explore evidence-based frameworks and techniques that promote sustainable implementation of new initiatives. And students reflect on the personal and relational aspects of doing the work: learning to see inequity, interrogating their roles in existing power structures, and changing their perceptions of what types of change are feasible for themselves and their institutions. Throughout this course, students will be asked to catalogue and analyze opportunities to advance equity in health and health care, and they will come away with a plan for an initiative that can be implemented in their professional context. (Full Course Description)

Penn faculty and staff members are invited to take this 6-week long, online graduate course. Each week follows a pattern of asynchronous learning through brief videos, readings, written discussions with classmates, and real-world projects and assignments, plus a 1-hour synchronous class. Penn employees may use tuition benefits towards this course. This course is part of the Master of Health Care Innovation (MHCI) curriculum. A 4-course Certificate for Penn faculty and staff is also available.

To register or for more information, contact Caitlin O'Neill at MEHPonline@pennmedicine.upenn.edu, or see the Graduate Certificate in Health Care Innovation website.