Dean and Vice-President

J. G. Kelton/M.D., F.R.C.P. (C.)

Associate Dean Research

S. Collins/M.B.B.S., F.R.C.P. (UK), F.R.C.P.C.

Associate Vice-President Academic and Associate Dean Education

S.D. Denburg/B.A., M.A., Ph.D.

Associate Dean (Nursing)

C. Tompkins/B.Sc.N., M.Ed., Ph.D., R.N.

Associate Dean (Rehabilitation Science)

M. Law/B.Sc.OT, M.Sc., Ph.D., O.T. Reg (Ont)

For information concerning Health Sciences education programs and admission requirements, contact:

Office of the Registrar
McMaster University
Gilmour Hall, Room 108
Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L8
Telephone (905) 525-4600

Overview

The concept of Health Sciences Education is based on the view that health is a broad subject encompassing both the problems of ill health and the impact of biology, environment and lifestyle on health. Each health professional has specific educational requirements, but by learning together in shared facilities there exists an opportunity to establish effective interprofessional working relationships.

The programs in the Faculty attempt to meet these goals through a variety of learning approaches. Emphasis is placed on problem-based, small group learning experiences. Other approaches to learning, including interdisciplinary educational experiences, are used where appropriate.

In July 1974, the School of Nursing and the School of Medicine were brought together to form the Faculty of Health Sciences. In 1989, the School of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy (School of Rehabilitation Science) was added and in 1993 the Midwifery Education Program was established. The Faculty offers the following undergraduate degree programs: Doctor of Medicine (MD), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.Sc.N.), Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) (B.H.Sc. Honours), Bachelor of Health Sciences (B.H.Sc.) in Midwifery and Bachelor of Health Sciences (Physician Assistant). In addition to its undergraduate programs, the Faculty of Health Sciences also has responsibility for Residency Programs in Postgraduate Medical Education.

Through the School of Graduate Studies, the Faculty offers the Medical Sciences program leading to the M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in the following research areas: Cell Biology and Metabolism; Hemostasis, Thromboembolism, Atherosclerosis; Molecular Virology and Immunology; Neuroscience and Behavioural Sciences; Physiology/Pharmacology; and Reproductive Biology and Human Genetics. M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs in Health Research Methodology,Rehabilitation Sciences and Nursing are available. A MSc leading to the Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner (PHCNP) as well as a Graduate Diploma in PHCNP and in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner are offered. A professional master's degree program in Rehabilitation Science (Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy) has been established and replaces the respective baccalaureate-level professional programs.

Interprofessional programs, postprofessional in nature and leading to an academic diploma, include: Child Life Studies; Clinical Behavioural Sciences; Environmental Health; and Occupational Health and Safety.  As well, a Certificate in Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner is offered.

The Faculty of Health Sciences collaborates with the Division of Health Sciences at Mohawk College in educational programs for other health professions based at the College.

Research programs encompassing the broad spectrum of health have been established, including basic and applied research and various aspects of health-care delivery. The graduate programs in medical sciences are related to the various areas of health research.

The Health Sciences Centre at McMaster provides educational and research facilities for medicine, nursing and other health professions. It includes a teaching hospital (the McMaster Site of Hamilton Health Sciences) with extensive ambulatory clinics for primary and specialized aspects of patient care. The building has been designed to bring into close proximity the programs for the various health professions and to integrate the facilities for education, research and patient care in the Faculty of Health Sciences.

In addition to the Health Sciences Centre, education, research and clinical programs are based at other Hamilton Health Sciences sites (Chedoke, General, Henderson), St. Joseph's Centre for Mountain Health Services, St. Joseph's Hospital, St. Peter's Hospital, Hamilton Regional Cancer Centre and the Health Sciences Education Centre, Mohawk College. Extensive use is made of a variety of community agencies. A satellite program has been developed with institutions in Northwestern Ontario. In accordance with the plan to coordinate the development of specialized health services among the Hamilton and District hospitals, the Postgraduate Education programs in medicine have been developed on a regional basis.