ESU Set to Graduate First-Ever Doctorate of Health Sciences Student

Elaine Rodriguez, an instructor of health studies at East Stroudsburg University, became the first student in ESU’s doctoral in health sciences program to defend their dissertation on Thursday, March 31.

The doctoral program was launched in fall 2019 and offers individuals an opportunity to earn an advanced health sciences degree with two concentrations: Health Management and Administration and Advanced Research Administration. Following completion of the common core, students choose a concentration to complete the program. The program is offered through weekend courses designed for the busy healthcare executive with a suggested three-year (nine-term) schedule and dissertation for completion.

Rodriguez’s dissertation topic was “Assessing the prevalence of burnout among health administrators and their coping strategies during COVID-19.” Rodriguez found that in spite of the many challenges for health care administrators, their resilience brought them through the COVID pandemic, demonstrating the strength of their training and character.

“Elaine Rodriguez’s successful dissertation defense is an enormous personal achievement,” said Denise Seigart, Ph.D., dean of the College of Health Sciences at ESU. “It is also a moment where Elaine has the unique honor of leading the way for those who will follow her as future doctorate of health sciences degree recipients at ESU.”

For more information about the doctoral program in health sciences, visit esu.edu/dhsc.

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