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.
September 2, 2022
Heritage College is one of seven medical schools working together to develop cardiovascular and diabetes resources for primary care providers. A recently published article looks at how the collaborative, called Cardi-OH, was created.
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.
July 12, 2022
Belainesh Nigeda, OMS III, whose research focuses on how doulas help Black women have healthier birth outcomes, shares why research is rewarding.
June 1, 2022
Three HCOM alumni and one first year student have been working on collecting supplies for new mothers to help improve health outcomes for newborns. We sat down with them to get insights into the project and how others can help.
May 21, 2022
Three legacy graduates from the Class of 2022 discuss how their family impacted their path to becoming a D.O.
May 18, 2022
David Strawhun is a recent Heritage College graduate with the Class of 2022. We talked with him about his career, the pandemic and what he would tell those who are interested in a medical career.
May 17, 2022
Recent graduate Kyle McGrath, D.O. discusses how his connection to HCOM has made multiple impacts on his life, not just his career.
May 11, 2022
In this research spotlight, Ellie McNutt, Ph.D., an assistant professor of instruction in medical anatomy shares her most unique research experience.
May 2, 2022
TCC student Kevin Pan, OMS III, stepped up to the plate as a high school baseball coach before coming to the Heritage College. Now he'll be stepping across the graduation stage.
May 2, 2022
Alicia Rodgers, OMS IV, discusses the importance of holding true to faith throughout life's challenges, and coming out of the other side a stronger person, student and doctor.
May 2, 2022
Some students have one moment that led them to a career in medicine. Not Brandon Foreman, OMS III. He had a multitude of moments.
May 2, 2022
Emily Cronin discusses the impact that family medicine has had on her life and the path of her medical career.
April 25, 2022
Andrew Williams, OMS-IV, discusses his childhood, his upcoming role as HCOM Class of 2022 commencement speaker, and the special connection with his grandmother that led him to the career he is about to step into.
April 25, 2022
The student creators and hosts of the podcast "Impersonating Doctors," fourth year students Nicole Siliko and Ana Aguilar, discuss the inspiration for the series, their favorite topics to talk about and their academic beginnings.
April 19, 2022
On April 16, the Heritage College's first annual Public Service Day was held. The event was hosted by the SGA Student Directors of Community Outreach, who share more details about the many volunteer activities that took place on each campus.
March 17, 2022
Since she was a young child, Kiara Patton wanted to become a doctor. As she pursued her dream, she didn't think about becoming a leader. But that's just what she has done, working within and outside the college to promote resiliency and empowerment.
February 23, 2022
Keshee' Harris took a nontraditional path to medical school, and along the way she became acutely aware of the disparities in the medical field. Now, she has advice for those who may not have the confidence to pursue their dream of becoming a physician.
