Medical Education and Biomedical Informatics

Department Overview

E312 Health Sciences

The Department of Medical Education and Biomedical Informatics (MEBI) is comprised of three units: the Division of General Medical Education, the Division of Biomedical and Health Informatics, and MEDEX Northwest—the Division of Physician Assistant Studies. The Division of General Medical Education serves the medical school and health sciences community through program support, evaluation, and research in the field of medical education (www.mebi.washington.edu). The Division of Biomedical and Health Informatics consists of a research and training program that emphasizes both basic and applied aspects of informatics with a view toward making a difference in people's lives through interdisciplinary collaboration between faculty and students (www.bhi.washington.edu). MEDEX Northwest is a regional program that selects experienced health care providers for training as physician assistants and is dedicated to improving access to medical care and emphasizes delivery of health care services to medically underserved populations in the Northwest (www.medex.washington.edu).

The Department of Medical Education and Biomedical Informatics offers courses in the theory and application of medical education and biomedical and health informatics. Courses are designed for faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, postgraduates and fellows in the health sciences who desire further training in the methods, issues, research, and technology of medical education and biomedical informatics. MEBI offers master's and doctoral degrees, as well as certificates and fellowship training, in biomedical and health informatics. MEDEX Northwest offers a program of study leading to a certificate with an optional degree available (a Bachelor of Clinical Health Services). MEDEX also offers an optional master's degree pathway link with the Extended Degree Program in Public Health. MEDEX provides full-time training in three sites (Seattle, Spokane, and Yakima) and offers part-time training in Seattle and Spokane.

Graduate Program

Graduate Training Program Coordinator
I-264 Health Sciences, Box 357240
(206) 616-0369
informat@uw.edu

Master of Science

Admission Requirements

1. Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an institution within the United States or an equivalent degree from a recognized college or university from outside the United States.
2. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00, for the last 90 graded quarter credits or 60 graded semester credits.
3. Prior formal college-level coursework, verified by official transcripts, in mathematics (including statistics), computer programming (at least two quarters), and biology (or zoology), as evidenced by official transcripts.
4. GRE scores are required unless the applicant holds an earned doctorate (such as Ph.D., D.D.S., M.D., Ed.D., J.D.) from an accredited U.S. institution. GRE scores must be from testing within the past five years.
5. GRE scores are required for all international applicants, including holders of foreign doctorates (such as Ph.D., D.D.S., M.D., Ed.D., J.D.).
6. A test of English language proficiency (usually the TOEFL) is also required for most international applicants, unless they have an earned undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited U.S. institution. For the TOEFL a minimum score of 600 (paper-based) or 250 (computerized) is required, and the scores must be from a test taken within the past two years.

Degree Requirements

60 credits, as follows:

1. Foundational courses: MEBI 530 (3), MEBI 550 (3), MEBI 552 (3); either LIS 510 (4) or LIS 544 (3); two of the following courses: MEBI 534 (3), MEBI 535 (3), HSERV 503/EPI 503 (3); a graduate-level statistics class
2. Elective courses: Four additional courses to establish depth of knowledge in the student's chosen area of specialization. These must be approved by the student's academic adviser.
3. Research seminars: At least 3 credits of MEBI 590 and at least 3 credits of MEBI 591
4. Thesis and final examination: All students must complete an M.S. thesis and pass a final examination for the master's degree.

Doctor of Philosophy

Admission Requirements

1. Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an institution within the United States or an equivalent degree from a recognized college or university from outside the United States.
2. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 for the last 90 graded quarter credits or 60 graded semester credits.
3. Prior formal college-level coursework, verified by official transcripts, in mathematics (including statistics), computer programming (at least two quarters), and biology (or zoology), as evidenced by official transcripts.
4. GRE scores are required unless the applicant holds an earned doctorate (such as Ph.D., D.D.S., M.D., Ed.D., J.D.) from an accredited U.S. institution. The GRE scores must be from testing within the past five years.
5. GRE scores are required for all international applicants, including holders of foreign doctorates (such as Ph.D., D.D.S., M.D., Ed.D., J.D.).
6. A test of English language proficiency (usually the TOEFL) is also required for most international applicants, unless they have an earned undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited U.S. institution. For the TOEFL a minimum score of 600 (paper-based) or 250 (computerized) is required, and the scores must be from a test taken within the past two years.

Degree Requirements

90 credits, to include:

1. Foundational courses: MEBI 520 (2), MEBI 530 (3), MEBI 550 (3), MEBI 552 (3); either LIS 510 (4) or LIS 544 (3); two of the following: MEBI 534 (3), MEBI 535 (3), HSERV 503/EPI 503 (3); a graduate level statistics class
2. Courses for depth of knowledge: Five additional courses to establish the necessary depth of knowledge in the student's chosen area of specialization. These must be approved by the student's academic adviser.
3. Research seminars: 12 credits of research seminars that must include at least 3 credits of MEBI 590 and at least 6 credits of MEBI 591
4. Oral presentations: All students must satisfactorily present material in an oral format. Students should present at least once per year. This requirement is fulfilled by journal club and research seminar (MEBI 590 and MEBI 591) presentations.
5. Formal examinations:
   • The qualifying examination: All students must pass a qualifying examination (oral and written) that covers breadth of knowledge prior to formally creating a Ph.D. Supervisory Committee and proceeding with their dissertation research.
   • The general examination: The general examination includes an oral and written part. The oral portion is a public presentation of the student's area of research, and includes an oral examination covering the student's in-depth knowledge of her or his area.
   • Final examination (dissertation defense): A candidate for the Ph.D. must present a dissertation demonstrating original and independent investigation and significant achievement in the field of biomedical and health informatics.