Reflections on the Master of Health Sciences Journey

Reflections on My Journey Through the Master of Health Studies

As I look back on this course, I can confidently say that it has reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in healthcare beyond just a patient-facing role. When I began the Master of Health Studies program in September, my perspective on healthcare was largely shaped by my 12 years of experience as a front-line staff member in hospitals. My focus had always been on delivering quality care to patients during their appointments, ensuring their immediate needs were met. However, this program has challenged me to think beyond the individual patient and consider the broader, systemic factors that shape health outcomes, patient safety, and equitable access to healthcare.

Understanding Health in Canada: Beyond the Biomedical Model

One of the key takeaways from this course has been a more comprehensive understanding of the definition of health. Previously, I viewed health mainly through a clinical lens—centered on diagnosing and treating illness. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (World Health Organization, 1948). This expanded definition has helped me recognize the importance of not only treating illness but also addressing the determinants of health that influence well-being at the individual, community, and societal levels.

Although Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system, access to healthcare is not equally available to all. The social determinants of health (SDOH)—such as income, education, employment, and housing—play a crucial role in shaping health status (Galea, 2015). For example, individuals with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to experience barriers to healthcare access, higher rates of chronic illness, and shorter life expectancies (Galea, 2015). Before this course, I understood that economic hardship made it difficult for some patients to access healthcare, but I had not fully grasped the extent to which structural inequalities drive long-term health disparities.

This realization has been particularly significant when considering vulnerable populations in Canada. Indigenous communities, for instance, continue to experience disproportionately poor health outcomes due to historical and ongoing systemic barriers (Loppie & Wien, 2022). In Ontario, Indigenous populations face limited access to healthcare facilities, long wait times for specialized care, and a lack of culturally safe healthcare services (Loppie & Wien, 2022). Colonial policies, such as residential schools and forced displacement, have contributed to intergenerational trauma that further exacerbates health inequities and distrust of the healthcare system (Loppie & Wien, 2022). This course has reinforced my understanding that improving health outcomes for Indigenous and other marginalized populations requires systemic change beyond improving bedside care.

Healthcare Systems in Canada: Federal and Provincial Roles

Another key learning from this course has been the structure and governance of the federal and provincial health systems in Canada. While healthcare in Canada is publicly funded through the Canada Health Act, there are significant variations in service delivery across provinces and territories (Flood & Thomas, 2016). The provincial governments are responsible for organizing and delivering healthcare services, leading to disparities in access based on geographic location. For example, rural and remote communities often struggle with healthcare shortages, forcing patients to travel long distances for specialized care (Flood & Thomas, 2016). This has further raised my awareness of the systemic gaps that exist beyond my personal experiences in an urban hospital setting.

Additionally, understanding the multilevel approach to health has been eye-opening. Health is not just an individual responsibility; it is shaped by policies, community structures, and broader social environments. Preventative health measures, such as public health initiatives and community-based programs, are just as critical as clinical interventions. This course has helped me see that to improve health outcomes and patient safety, healthcare professionals must advocate for policies that address root causes rather than just treating symptoms.

Cardiovascular Health, Patient Safety, and Disparities in Chronic Disease Care

One of the most pressing issues in the Canadian healthcare system is the prevention and management of chronic disease. Chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, and diabetes are the leading causes of death in Canada, yet they are largely preventable with early intervention and lifestyle changes. However, access to long-term treatment and chronic disease management remains unequal, disproportionately affecting lower-income and marginalized populations.

Cardiovascular disease is a significant public health concern, particularly for Indigenous populations, racialized groups, and those with lower socioeconomic status. Studies have shown that Indigenous people in Canada experience higher rates of hypertension, heart disease, and stroke compared to the general population (Reading, 2009). However, access to consistent monitoring, medication, and preventative interventions is often lacking. In many cases, patients are only diagnosed at later stages, leading to worse outcomes and higher mortality rates.

From a patient safety perspective, ensuring consistent and equitable access to primary care and chronic disease management services is essential. Many patients face barriers such as lack of transportation, long wait times for specialists, and unaffordable prescription medications (Russell et al., 2009). These gaps in care increase the risk of preventable complications, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits, further burdening the healthcare system.

Reducing Healthcare Disparities and Strengthening Patient Safety

This course has reinforced the need for policy-driven solutions that reduce healthcare disparities, enhance patient safety, and improve chronic disease management. Some critical areas for improvement include:

Improving access to primary care – Strengthening family physician networks and nurse practitioner-led clinics in underserved communities.

Enhancing cardiovascular health programs – Increasing funding for preventative screenings and early interventions for high-risk populations.

Addressing social determinants of health – Expanding affordable housing, income supports, and culturally safe healthcare services.

Reducing systemic barriers for Indigenous patients – Implementing Indigenous-led healthcare initiatives and increasing Indigenous representation in healthcare leadership.

Strengthening patient safety initiatives – Reducing medication errors, ensuring timely follow-up care, and implementing standardized protocols to improve outcomes.

Looking Ahead: Applying My Learning to Professional Practice

As I reflect on my journey in this program so far, I realize how much my perspective on healthcare has evolved. I no longer see healthcare solely through the lens of front-line patient interactions. Instead, I now recognize the broader systemic issues that shape health outcomes, patient safety, and healthcare disparities. This course has challenged me to think critically about healthcare policy, social determinants of health, and the importance of a multilevel approach to improving care.

Moving forward, I am committed to applying this knowledge to my professional practice. Whether through leadership, policy advocacy, or healthcare administration, I hope to contribute to meaningful systemic change in the healthcare system. I now understand that improving patient care requires more than just clinical expertise—it demands a deeper engagement with health policy, equity-based solutions, and structural reform.

This program has not only expanded my knowledge but has also strengthened my passion for addressing healthcare inequities, improving cardiovascular health, and ensuring patient safety. I am excited to continue my learning journey and find ways to bridge the gap between front-line care and structural improvements to create a more equitable and effective healthcare system for all Canadians.

 References:

1.        Flood, C. M., & Thomas, B. (2016). Modernizing the Canada Health Act. Dalhousie Law Journal, 39(2), 1–16.

2.        Galea, S. (2015). The determination of health across the life course and across levels of influence. Boston University School of Public Health. https://www.bu.edu/sph/news/articles/2015/the-determination-of-health-across-the-life-course-and-across-levels-of-influence-2/

3.        Loppie, C., & Wien, F. (2022). Understanding Indigenous health inequalities through a social determinants model. National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health. https://www.nccih.ca/Publications/Lists/Publications/Attachments/10373/Health_Inequalities_EN_Web_2022-04-26.pdf

4.        Russell, G. M., Dahrouge, S., Hogg, W., Geneau, R., Muldoon, L., & Tuna, M. (2009). Managing chronic disease in ontario primary care: the impact of organizational factors. Annals of family medicine, 7(4), 309–318. https://doi.org/10.1370/afm.982

5.        World Health Organization. (1948). Preamble to the Constitution of the World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/about/governance/constitution