Where are They Now: Evaluation of Learning and Career Paths in Health Humanities Alumni

Rachel Bracken, PhD – NEOMED; Sara Kosiba, PhD – NEOMED; Erin Lamb, PhD – Case Western Reserve University

Abstract: Health humanities and bioethics programs continue to grow in a difficult higher education atmosphere. One consistently-reported challenge in proposing or maintaining health humanities educational programs is the lack of data about graduate outcomes. This presentation shares results from a first-of-its-kind survey of health humanities graduates, distributed via health humanities listservs and program directors in late 2024-early 2025. We asked about current employment and income, other education, and perceptions of the value/impact of a health humanities education. Over 200 North American alumni from majors, minors, certificates, Masters, Doctorates, fellowships, pathways, and concentrations reveal a strong link between their completed program(s) and career outcomes. Within six months of completion, most alumni secured new jobs, promotions, or pursued further education: 77% are in the workforce, primarily in education (34%) and healthcare (71%), with an average income of $93,000. Notably, 89% felt their programs strengthened their applications for health professions degrees, and 92% saw health humanities as a solid foundation for those studies. The results show the value of a health humanities education beyond direct career preparation. Subjects gained better understanding nuance and patient-centered perspectives, as well as developed research skills and interdisciplinary approaches. A significant majority reported improved health literacy, healthcare system understanding, and advocacy skills. In an increasingly polarized world, the results of this novel research study affirms what so many in the ASBH community have seen in practice: that a strong foundation in bioethics and health humanities education contributes to personal growth and professional success.

Keywords: Education, Health Humanities, Outcomes