College of Health LEAP

In the first semester of College of Health LEAP, we take a literary approach to understanding the diverse society which makes up American health care, in both the provider and patient populations. We begin with the premise that learning to be a close reader of literature can train future health care professionals for some of their hardest tasks: being simultaneously attentive listeners and analytical thinkers, adopting points of view very different from their own, following the thread of another’s story, and navigating in areas of uncertainty and ambiguity. We read literature from America’s diverse cultural traditions to better understand the history of health disparities for people of color in the U.S. This literature shows us the profound ways in which culture shapes people’s lives, including their experience of their bodies, their socially constructed notions of health and illness, and their relationship to power and institutional authority. Students will gain a deeper understanding of a particular cultural group and the health care issues relevant to it through an in-depth team research project and presentation.

In the second semester of College of Health LEAP we draw on literature, philosophy, film and essays to illuminate ethical issues in contemporary health care. By analyzing bioethical issues through the framework of the humanities, students see health care in a broader social and historical context, as it touches on such fundamental issues as the human condition, suffering, personhood, and our responsibility to each other. Attention to careful reading and writing helps students to develop and nurture skills of observation, critical thinking, compassion, and self-awareness--skills that are essential for providing humane health care.  Students gain a deeper understanding of a particular ethical dilemma by writing an independent research paper and presenting their findings to the class.

In addition, as part of the larger LEAP Program, these classes provide freshman with a small class environment, the same professor, peer advisor and classmates both semesters, extensive hands-on training in library research, and many opportunities to get involved in social, academic, and professional activities outside of class.