The Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Services (BS-IHS) was the first interdisciplinary undergraduate program established at Western Michigan University. It was developed in 2001 in response to research identifying the need to educate students in the interdisciplinary competencies required of future health and human services workers.
BS-IHS anchors students in the Institute of Medicine (IOM) service delivery skills, giving them the advantage of early skills development either before entering graduate based disciplines or in conjunction with a bachelor's degree level discipline. The Institute of Medicine (2004) has identified "service delivery" skills that are at the center of patient safety, health care efficiency and cost effectiveness. These skills (delivering patient and family centered services, quality improvement, evidence-based practice, health literacy, health informatics, and interdisciplinary team skills) must be used by everyone in 21st century healthcare.
News and Announcements
Health Literacy Webinar now available
Dr. Doris Ravotas, coordinator of the interdisciplinary health services program, and Chris Trudeau, professor of law at WMU Thomas M. Cooley Law School, presented on health literacy and tips for implementing health literacy initiatives.
Learn more about proficiency exam
Learn more about the Information Literacy for Health Care Professionals Proficiency Exam, which, if passed, can be used to satisfy program requirements.