Whitney Simon
Education Overview
I am currently taking courses towards a Master's Degree in Immunology at the Mayo Graduate School. My undergraduate coursework includes the completion of a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree and an Associate of Science in Business Administration degree with a concentration in management. More in-depth descriptions of my studies are below.
Master's Degree in Biomedical Sciences (Immunology Concentration)
Currently taking classes at Mayo Graduate School of Medical Education at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (B.S.H.S.) Degree
I attended the University of Minnesota Rochester (U.M.R.) for my undergraduate coursework for my Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (B.S.H.S.) degree. The courses at U.M.R. provide a well-rounded and integrated approach to the teachings of science and medicine. The following are descriptions of the major areas of coursework I completed while there.
Humanities/Communications Courses
Effective methods of communication are essential in all areas of life, but especially in healthcare. My general writing courses had an emphasis on the concepts of writing using critical analysis with clarity while incorporating creativity. Through case studies regarding healthcare, proper and effective communication strategies were discussed in the communications course I took at UMR., which helped me to become both a better listener and a better written and oral communicator.
Ethics/Philosophy Courses
The ethics and philosophy courses I have taken have aided in the improvement of my critical thinking skills and have deepened my interest in bioethical issues and the philosophy behind scientific reasoning. The discussions of case studies regarding difficult situations that actually occur in healthcare—situations with no easily distinguishable "right" or "wrong" answers—in my ethics courses have helped prepare me to cope with and make decisions about similar situations should they arise in the course of my own career. These courses have enriched my understanding of bioethical complexity within the scientific and healthcare professions. Through study of the philosophy of science and the evaluation of biases that occur in science and medicine, I have come to approach my acquisition and understanding of information—in science and in other areas of life—with a broader scope and a more open mind.
Spanish Courses
I have taken four semesters of college-level Spanish language courses. The last two semesters of these courses had a significant focus on healthcare terminology. Not only have these courses given me knowledge of the Spanish language, but they have also given me knowledge of Spanish-speaking cultures. As the Spanish-speaking and Latino populations continue to grow in the U.S., these skills will be vital to healthcare professionals.
Public Health Courses
Solid knowledge of public health is essential to practicing effectively in any area of healthcare. The public health courses I have taken have given me greater knowledge of health policy along with greater knowledge of how to identify healthcare needs and disparities and how to approach these needs and disparities with effective solutions with the involvement of those being served.
Science and Mathematics Courses
The following math and science courses have given me a solid computational and scientific foundation, which will be of great benefit to my future involvement in research and medicine.
-General Chemistry (1 year)
-Organic Chemistry (1 year)
-Physics (1 year)
-Calculus (1 semester)
-Biology (1 year)
-Biochemistry (1 semester)
-Genetics
-Statistics
Associates of Science Degree in Business Administration with Management Concentration
Courses taken toward my A.S. degree in business administration included human resources management courses, accounting courses, a website design course, management courses, and an entrepreneurship course with the completion of a full business plan, amongst others. This degree has allowed me to become familiar with human resource laws and practices, the effectiveness of various methods of management styles, and the fundamental information necessary in order to start and/or manage a successful business and/or group of individuals with a common purpose.