Dissemination & Implementation Sciences PhD concentration
The Dissemination & Implementation (D&I) Sciences doctoral concentration provides an opportunity for students interested in the transdisciplinary field to complete relevant coursework and mentored research.
Concentrating in D&I
The concentration aims to prepare next-generation public health scholars for the D&I competencies:
- Describe the objectives of D&I research for promoting health and addressing health equity.
- Critically evaluate D&I theories, models and frameworks.
- Assess the need for and process of adapting and tailoring interventions and D&I research strategies.
- Design studies that incorporate innovative and emerging methods and measures in D&I research.
- Describe the importance and methods for incorporating the perspectives of different partners (e.g., patients/families, practitioners, policymakers) in D&I.
PhD students concentrate in D&I by completing D&I-related coursework, getting involved in the various D&I research training opportunities at WashU, and conducting mentored dissertation research that contributes to the field.
Training opportunities
Students are encouraged to participate in the various D&I training opportunities offered through the School of Public Health and the university. Additionally, the Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences’ D&I Research Core affords students opportunities to receive and offer consultation and research support as research assistants.
Mentored D&I dissertation research
Students in the concentration identify faculty mentors whose scholarship involves D&I science. Typically, these faculty members will supervise the completion of an area statement and qualifying exam. After finishing D&I and other required doctoral coursework and milestones, students conduct dissertation research in the field under the mentorship of faculty working in the area.
Process
Students interested in the concentration work with their faculty advisor, the Dissemination and Implementation Sciences concentration lead, and their program director to ensure interest alignment. The student and faculty members develop and execute research that culminates in a dissertation that contributes to the systems science literature. The successful defense of the dissertation is recorded in the student’s final academic transcript.
Coursework
Students complete at least three D&I doctoral courses (9 credits total) as part of their PhD requirements in their first two years of the program. Students also have the option of creating an independent study course to replace one of the required courses, allowing individualized study in the field beyond the content of the courses available. Students select one introductory course (fall or spring) and at least two other courses from the following options:
PHS 5160
Dissemination & Implementation Science (Fall introductory course)
3 Credits
CLNV 5230
Introduction to Dissemination & Implementation Science (Spring introductory course)
3 Credits
CLNV 5420
Methods, Metrics and Measures for Dissemination & Implementation Research
3 Credits
CLNV 5544
Developing and Evaluating Implementation Strategies in Health and Social Services
3 Credits
CLNV 8018
Designing for Dissemination, Implementation & Sustainability: How to Maximize Impact and Equity
3 Credits
PHEL 6003
Translating Epidemiology into Policy
3 Credits
Concentration lead
Maura Kepper, MPH, PhD, focuses her research on transforming care for individuals living with or at risk for multiple chronic conditions. Her work engages patients, families, clinicians and community partners to design interventions that deliver personalized, context-aware care across clinical and community settings. She is also the co-director of the Health Design and Impact Lab.
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