For Christine Oh, Ph.D., assistant dean in The Chicago School’s College of Graduate and Professional Studies, the university’s commitment to integrated care is really what sets it apart.
“After graduating with a doctorate in sociology with a focus in mental health, I gained early career experience with the University of California, Los Angeles and San Francisco, and the LA County Department of Public Health,” Dr. Oh says. “These institutions taught me so much about the ways in which we need to treat mental and physical health challenges as interconnected to make the biggest impact. Mental health impacts physical health and physical health impacts mental health, so only by treating challenges in an integrated way will we make the necessary change in our communities.”
“When I saw an opportunity to join The Chicago School, the university’s long-standing belief that there is no health without mental health really resonated with me, and I knew this would be the right place for me,” Dr. Oh says.
Beyond the university’s core mission and vision, Dr. Oh has been energized by working with The Chicago School’s students and faculty. According to Dr. Oh, “Our students are so naturally curious and care so deeply about giving back to the community. I love seeing students get excited about how they can apply what they’re learning in class to make their communities stronger, and our faculty really encourage this type of community engagement as well. Our faculty are the hardest-working, most compassionate, most generous people I’ve ever had the chance to work with. Our students are so lucky to have them as educational guides and partners.”
Within Dr. Oh’s academic disciplines of Marriage and Family Therapy and Public Health, she is focused on developing creative, inclusive healthcare leaders of tomorrow.
“I want our students to always have exposure to what’s new in their field so that they can be pioneers for their colleagues and communities,” Dr. Oh says. “I want to ensure that the latest innovations are available to all communities, not just those who are traditionally the most privileged. All communities deserve access to expert care.”
In the years ahead, Dr. Oh wants to continue expanding and developing programs in Marriage and Family Therapy and Public Health. “Through opportunities like online learning and new scholarship programs, we can make higher education and service in the healthcare field more accessible and inclusive for students of all backgrounds,” she says. “I am committed to creating a healthcare workforce as diverse as the communities it serves.”