Elaine Rodriguez, an instructor of health studies at East Stroudsburg University, became the first student in ESU\u2019s doctoral in health sciences program to defend their dissertation on Thursday, March 31.<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0The program is offered through weekend courses designed for the busy healthcare executive with a suggested three-year (nine-term) schedule and dissertation for completion.<\/p>\n
Rodriguez\u2019s dissertation topic was \u201cAssessing the prevalence of burnout among health administrators and their coping strategies during COVID-19.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cElaine Rodriguez\u2019s successful dissertation defense is an enormous personal achievement,\u201d said Denise Seigart, Ph.D., dean of the College of Health Sciences at ESU.\u00a0\u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n