“The digital health era demands that tomorrow’s physicians be fluent in both the language of medicine and the language of data,” said David Gozal, M.D., M.B.A., Ph.D. (Hon), vice president for health affairs at Marshall University and dean of the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. “By integrating medicine and informatics, we are equipping students to harness data, analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve patient outcomes. This dual-degree program underscores our commitment to preparing physicians who not only deliver exemplary care but also drive innovation and safety in how that care is delivered.”
“The new M.D./M.S. Health Informatics dual degree program reflects the fusion of medicine with CAHIIM-accredited health informatics,” said Doohee Lee, Ph.D., associate dean of the LCOB. “Importantly, this dual degree program highlights how next-generation physician leaders can contribute to the future of a value-based health care delivery system. The LCOB’s M.S. Health Informatics Program (33 hours) can empower medical students to enhance patient care and decision makings through the effective use of biomedical data.”
Open to students entering the School of Medicine’s M.D. program in fall 2026 as part of the Class of 2030, the M.D. + M.S. in Health Informatics program allows participants to complete both degrees within four years. Students will develop expertise in clinical decision-making and the informatics systems that support it, exploring areas such as health data management, electronic medical records, predictive analytics and the ethical use of AI in patient care. As part of their training, students also complete a practicum, applying their informatics skills in real-world health care settings to bridge classroom learning with clinical application.
Graduates of the M.D. + M.S. in Health Informatics program will be prepared for careers that bridge clinical practice, health system leadership, data science and innovation. Designed for students who want to shape the future of medicine, the program equips physicians to leverage data to improve outcomes, streamline care delivery and inform policy and innovation. Graduates will also be ready to meet the growing need for professionals who can develop artificial intelligence models, conduct data analysis and integrate data-driven insights into health care operations and patient care.
For more information about the joint program, please visit jcesom.marshall.edu/dual-degree-programs or contact Nitin Puri, M.D., Ph.D., senior associate dean and chair of medical education, at 304-691-8828 or purin@marshall.edu.
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