The Department of Social Medicine is an interdisciplinary department comprised of social scientists, humanities scholars and physicians. We study the dynamic interplay of people, culture, the environment and their impact on health care delivery and health outcomes. Our teaching, research and service inform medical students, health professionals and the public about factors affecting clinical decision making, the social responsibilities of health care providers, the social determinants of health and illness, and health policy and politics.
Chair, Nagesh Rao
Email: rao@ohio.edu
Phone: 740.593.2409
Associate Chair, Joe Bianco
Email: bianco@ohio.edu
Phone: 740.593.2130
Administrative Specialist, Cassie Tritipo
Email: tritipo@ohio.edu
Phone: 740.593.4694
Our department has active research and teaching expertise in the following areas:
Our faculty's disciplines include:
Students, faculty and staff experience impactful research, education and outreach activities abroad and in immigrant communities in the U.S. to truly understand global health issues and increase multicultural awareness.
Discover the diverse research topics and current projects conducted by our faculty.
From our mission to teaching topics to employment opportunities, you’ll find it all here.
May 19, 2023
The Ohio Osteopathic Symposium had another successful year as osteopathic physicians from across the state gathered in Columbus April 20 – 23 to learn more about critical issues in medicine, participate in continuing medical education activities and showcase the latest research developments.
May 19, 2023
A crowded house at Temple-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium cheered on the achievements of the Class of 2023 during the Commencement Awards Ceremony. Students were recognized for leadership, research and more.
May 8, 2023
The Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine’s newest medical education facility, Heritage Hall, was recently recognized with an Outstanding Project Award in the Spring 2023 issue of Learning by Design magazine.
March 21, 2023
Dr. Shaohua Wang, assistant professor of medical microbiology, is a relative newcomer to the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, joining the college seven months ago. We took some time to sit down with her and discuss her research, her time at the Heritage College and what initially drew her to microbial studies.
March 15, 2023
At twenty-four weeks pregnant, I participated in the Osteopathic Manipulation Therapy Lab with Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine students. The second-year medical students eagerly waited in the large lab room filled with dozens of medical tables, while the other participants and I waited in the third-floor hallway of the new and impressive Heritage Hall.
February 27, 2023
Now in her second year at the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Caroline Mueller, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of medical anatomy based on the Dublin campus. We sat down with her to learn more about her role at the college, research and what brought her here.
December 16, 2022
For National Rural Health Day on Nov. 17, Kasey Roush, OMS IV, took first-year student Suzanne Chaar on a drive to one of her favorite spots in the Athens area.
November 17, 2022
Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine graduate Kate Spencer, D.O. ('22), grew up in rural Glouster, Ohio and is now doing her residency at O'Bleness Hospital in Athens. For National Rural Health Day, we talked with her to learn more about why practicing medicine in a rural area is exactly where she wants to be.
November 17, 2022
In conjunction with National Rural Health Day on Nov. 17, we spoke with second-year student Meghan Trout, who has lived in a rural community and plans to work with underserved populations when she becomes a physician. She and two other students participated in a social media takeover to mark National Rural Health Day.
November 17, 2022
Third-year medical student Kasey Roush grew up in Meigs County and plans to practice medicine in a rural community when she graduates. For National Rural Health Day, we spoke with her to learn more about her experience with the Rural and Urban Scholars Pathways program and why she returned to her roots.
November 3, 2022
The Heritage College sat down with Nicolas Suglio, OMS-I, to talk about his path to medical school, including his time serving in the Air National Guard.
October 17, 2022
Allyson Hughes, Ph.D., whose research focuses on health policy related to the intersection of diabetes and disabilities, was part of a recent cluster hire. In this research spotlight, learn why she finds research rewarding.
October 6, 2022
In this research spotlight, learn more about Professor of Social Medicine Graciela Muniz-Terrera, Ph.D., whose research focuses on aging and brain health, including dementia.
October 4, 2022
In August, 40 new RUSP students visited rural and underserved communities in Columbus and Glouster to learn about social determinants of health and the assets that exist in these communities.
October 4, 2022
Jaret Shook, OMS-I, details his experience as a farmhand, a pharmacist and what brought him to the Heritage College.
September 27, 2022
Improving health outcomes and quality of life among racial and ethnic minoritized populations are the main focus of Assistant Professor of Social Medicine Ángela Gutiérrez's research. Learn more about why she finds her work rewarding.
September 1, 2022
Nathan P. Samsa grew up in a rural area and began his career as a pharmacist before earning his osteopathic medical degree. He returned to his roots and is providing personalized medicine to his rural patients.
August 30, 2022
For the first time a summer session of the Aspiring D.O.ctors Program was held on the Heritage College's Cleveland campus. Second-year medical students planned the four-day program.
July 12, 2022
A team of researchers, including Associate Professor of Instruction Sarah Rubin, Ph.D., and Joselyn Hines, OMS III, followed 17 pregnant mothers throughout their pregnancy to learn more about Black motherhood and structural racism.
July 12, 2022
Medical school provides a unique opportunity to grow your passion in life and support your community at the same time. Two Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine students have taken this approach to medical school and created a community outreach organization that combines their excitement for holistic health with their personal pursuit of wellness.