The PhD in Rural Health Sciences program at Mercer University School of Medicine is a four-year, multidisciplinary curriculum that requires 64 credit hours to complete, including 40 hours of traditional didactics/seminar, six hours of dissertation workshops and at least 18 hours of dissertation. The curriculum draws from the fields of medicine, psychology, sociology, epidemiology, statistics, communication, management, economics and political science.
Mission
To conduct rigorous, multidisciplinary research to improve the health outcomes of rural communities, contributing to evidence-based practices and informed decision-making.
Vision
Pioneering Rural Health Excellence: To create a future where rural health experts are equipped with interdisciplinary expertise and collaborate seamlessly with communities to create sustainable and equitable health solutions.
Guiding Principles
To achieve its mission and vision, the program has four Guiding Principles: rural focused, multidisciplinary, team-based and community-oriented.