Health Matters

Health Matters: The Human Side of Medicine brings awareness to human issues reflected in the complexity of providing health care. The book takes a compassionate look at medicine from a holistic view rather than focusing on illness and disease. The faculty of Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine reveal a unique perspective on health issues as seen through the eyes of the provider. They offer insight and wisdom for the health care providers of tomorrow. Health Matters begins by examining the evolution of health care and health care systems. The most important element of health care is the relationship between the patient and the provider which is discussed from many viewpoints. Guidance on promoting health, advocating good health practices, preventing disease, and being prepared for disasters are revealed in several chapters. The impact of abuse, addiction, alcohol, tobacco, and aging are discussed from the point of the health of the family as well as the health care system. Finally, the role of government in health care is examined from the perspective of the health care provider as they prepare for the practice of medicine. Dr. Echols serves as the Assistant Dean of Medical Education at NSU-COM where she oversees medical education, assessment and evaluation and patient simulation. As an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, her interests include educational research, program development and academic medicine. She has a special interest in communication and humanities relative to patient care and develops programs to increase student performance on licensing exams. She is a graduate of Ohio University and enjoys fishing with family and friends. Dr. Calzada is an Associate Professor of Family Medicine, Public Health and Bioinformatics, and serves as Assistant Dean for Clinical Operations and Graduate Programs at NSU-COM. A former Chair of the Department of Family Medicine, his professional career includes biomedical research, clinical medicine and academic medicine. His professional interests include public health, health policy and arts and humanities in medicine. Prior to NSU, Dr. Calzada was a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Florida, College of Medicine.