The History and Development of Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) Programs in the United States - Past, Present, and Future PART I - Past

Authors

Helen Ewing, MCPHS UniversityFollow
Richard Davis, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Randy D. Danielsen, A.T. Still UniversityFollow
Eric Sauers, A.T. Still UniversityFollow
Robin ReesalFollow

Abstract

Purpose: This three-part article series will elucidate how the Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) programs in the United States were envisioned and introduced. Method: Part I discusses relevant historical information about Higher Education and the traditional Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree to reach this goal. It describes the transition of PhD philosophies to professional doctorates by following the historical postgraduate program paths in education, nursing, and public health. Included is a brief discussion about the rapid growth of professional doctorates. Part I ends by identifying the origins of DHSc programs within the United States system of higher education. Part II of the series reviews the evolutionary stages of professional doctorates and DHSc programs. The article compares the DHSc degree to a PhD degree and examines the current state of DHSc programs. Part III presents current and future trends among DHSc programs in the United States. It focuses on workplace expectations of doctoral graduates, changing learner demographics and needs, essential curriculum designs for students, competency-based learning, assessment for future learners, design of culminating projects critical for prospective DHSc learners, and the importance of third-generation style DHSc programs. Conclusion: These are the first papers that record the origins, development, current state, and trends of DHSc programs in the United States.

Author Bio(s)

Helen Ewing, DHSc, MN, RN, is the Senior Director of Program and Education at Seed Global Health. She is an adjunct faculty with Nova Southeastern University, MCPHS University, and A.T. Still University and teaches in doctorate programs.

Richard E. Davis, EdD, PA-C Emeritus, DFAAPA, is retired from the positions of Dean of the College of Allied Health and Nursing (Dean Emeritus) and Vice President for the Regional Campus System at Nova Southeastern University.

Danielsen, PhD, DHL(h), PA-C Emeritus, DFAAPA, is the director of the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program at A.T. Still University. His accomplishments include being a clinician, PA educator, author, and editor.

Eric L. Sauers, PhD, is an innovative leader with over 20 years of experience in higher education administration and non-profit association leadership. Currently, he is a tenured Full Professor and Dean of the College for Healthy Communities (CHC) at A.T. Still University in Santa Maria, California.

Robin Reesal, MD, DABPN, FRCPC, is a retired Clinical Associate Professor who has taught healthcare professionals at many levels of training at several Universities in North America and Internationally. He has written over a hundred articles for academic and non-academic publications. He is now a medical researcher and writer.

Recommended Citation

Ewing H, Davis R, Danielsen RD, Sauers E, Reesal R. The History and Development of Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) Programs in the United States - Past, Present, and Future PART I - Past. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2024 Oct 04;22(4), Article 1.