Reflection on the Health Sciences Program Learning Outcomes from a personal perspective
Reflection on the Health Sciences Program Learning Outcomes from a personal perspective
The University of the People's Health Sciences Program lists five Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
focusing on health analysis, collaboration, ethical decision-making, policy evaluation, and
communication skills. The PLOs serve as both academic goals and guiding beliefs for future health
professionals, influencing their approach to health issues and efforts to enhance the well-being of
individuals and communities. Considering these results enables me to connect them to my individual
path, encounters, and goals within the realm of health sciences.
The initial PLO examines health problems using a multidisciplinary approach, combining biological,
social, and behavioral sciences. This aligns closely with my belief that health issues are intricate and need
a comprehensive method. Studying health sciences has strengthened my interest in learning about the
root causes impacting public health, especially in communities that lack resources. I aim to address
health challenges with a holistic perspective that takes into account both individual and systemic factors
through embracing this PLO.
Collaboration and teamwork, the second PLO, are essential components for successful healthcare
provision. Having worked in education and as a barista before, I have learned the importance of
collaborating effectively in varied team environments. My beliefs have been influenced by these
experiences, leading me to believe that working together, especially in the field of healthcare,
encourages the creation of new and creative solutions to tackle important health problems. Being
someone who excels in group environments, my goal is to apply this approach in my future career in
healthcare by working with various teams to improve health outcomes.
The third PLO, ethical decision-making, closely reflects my personal values of integrity, empathy, and
respect for human dignity. In every healthcare field, ethical conflicts are unavoidable, and it is essential
to make choices that prioritize patient well-being while also acknowledging cultural and individual
variations. My dedication to moral values is steadfast.
Assessing health policies and systems, the fourth PLO highlights the significance of grasping how policies
influence public health results. This is in line with my goal of advocating for fair healthcare. Being raised
in an area with limited healthcare access has inspired me to research how policies can tackle
inequalities. This PLO motivates me to support significant changes that enhance healthcare access and
quality for underserved communities.
The fifth PLO focuses on the importance of developing strong communication abilities, including writing
and speaking, that are suitable for different types of audiences. I think that effective communication is
essential for empowering people and communities to make informed choices about their health. My
experience as a teacher has sharpened my skill in explaining complex ideas clearly, which I aim to apply
in my future career in health sciences. Clear communication will play a central role in my efforts to drive
positive change, whether through educating patients or working with stakeholders.
Using PLOs in my upcoming profession
As a prospective healthcare provider, these PLOs will provide a structure for tackling health issues in my
local area. For example, examining health problems from various perspectives will enable me to create
solutions that target both medical and social factors influencing health. I can help create comprehensive
care models for various needs by working with social workers, policymakers, and healthcare providers.
Making ethical decisions will help me balance the needs of both patients and communities, making sure
that interventions are culturally sensitive and inclusive. I intend to use empathetic communication to
address vaccine hesitancy and cultivate trust while also acknowledging and respecting differing
perspectives, for instance.
I foresee making a considerable impact in policy evaluation as well. I aim to impact systems that enhance
health equity by staying knowledgeable about public health policies and engaging in advocacy efforts.
This may require evaluating the efficiency.
References
Iserson, K. V. (2020). Ethical guidelines for pandemics: Review and recommendations. Western Journal of
Emergency Medicine, 21(3), 409–415.