An ecosystem where interdisciplinary health education, cutting-edge research and groundbreaking innovation converge seamlessly — that is the Integrated Health Initiative (IHI).
Introducing a unique bachelor's degree
The core of UNB's IHI is a suite of interdisciplinary educational options, including UNB's bachelor of health (BH). This unique program offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates arts, business and science, and prepares students to excel as health-care administrators, policymakers, community leaders, and future health-care professionals.
The four-year program focuses on all aspects of health, with core courses covering the biological, psychological, and social determinants of health, health policy and the optimization of health-care services.
Students can major in three areas:
The society and health major focuses on policy development, Indigenous and global issues, and social and community health. Graduates move into careers in health services, community engagement, public health, and professional programs.
The biomedical sciences and health major, which is attractive to students interested in careers as health researchers, patient navigators and digital content creators, helps to prepare students for professional program entrance exams (medicine, dentistry, etc.).
The management in health major focuses on the administration of a wide variety of health-care systems, emphasizing core business principles, such as accounting, marketing, and management. Graduates often seek a career in health administration, community organization, and government.
Experiential education is at the core of the program. Classroom learning is supplemented through community-based research assignments, lab-based courses, and a practicum in health. In their final year, students complete an honours research thesis or a team-based project focused on a critical health issue. BH students are eligible for advanced standing toward the Certified Health Executive (CHE) designation, Canada's top professional leadership designation for health-care leaders.
Providing solutions for an aging population
In New Brunswick, which has one of Canada's most rapidly aging populations, nearly one in four residents is a senior. To address this demographic shift, UNB and Shannex RLC Ltd. established the Shannon Family Research Chair in Aging Transitions at UNB Saint John and plan to set up the Aging Transitions Lab. The research chair and the lab will research the impact of transitions in aging to improve the level of care and patient experience for New Brunswickers.
The chair will be tasked with researching qualities, concepts, processes and structures that contribute to the development of age-friendly communities, examining impediments to the growth of healthy intergenerational communities and proposing policy initiatives to improve the quality of life for people of all ages.
The chair and the lab will be housed in the soon-to-be-completed Health and Social Innovation Centre on the Saint John campus, near Dalhousie Medicine (New Brunswick's physician education program), New Brunswick Community College's Allied Health program, Shannex campuses in Millidgeville and Quispamsis, as well as the Saint John Regional Hospital and St. Joseph's Hospital, New Brunswick's leading centre for geriatric medicine.
Increasing digital literacy
One of the mandates of the IHI is prioritizing research that has social, economic, and community impacts. Increasing opportunities for children and youth in high-priority neighbourhoods is the backbone of the Promise Partnership.
Beginning in 2009 with a literacy initiative led by UNB Saint John volunteers and local youth, the partnership evolved into a formal initiative that provides students with educational and mentoring resources that continue to this day. This year, the partnership expanded its reach to Moncton.
The program features three levels tailored to different stages of learning, each supported by dedicated post-secondary mentors. In the elementary program, Kindergarten to Grade 2 students explore digital technologies through guided play and interactive learning experiences that build foundational skills. For students in Grades 3 to 5, the program introduces more complex, hands-on activities such as coding, 3D design and printing and introductory robotics. In the middle school program, students receive personalized support from UNB student mentors who provide homework help, language support and digital literacy. They also engage in interactive projects aligned with the Middle School Technology Curriculum, including activities like the culinary program. In the high school program, mentors provide academic tutoring and support for creative projects, adapting to each student's needs.
Last year, the Discovery Educational Enrichment summer camp program became integral to the Promise Partnership. Hosted at the UNB Saint John campus, this initiative provides Grade 4 to 10 students with access to advanced science labs, hands-on experiments led by UNB instructors and presentations by guest speakers.
Envisioning a health ecosystem
A core goal of the IHI is to accelerate knowledge transfer and the commercialization of health innovation by building upon the current health ecosystem where public and private partners can engage with students and researchers to create new businesses, products and services. This will position Saint John as a national hub for health innovation in Atlantic Canada.
With proximity to key health partners, innovators and entrepreneurs can work alongside UNB students and faculty, research scientists and clinicians. This synergistic environment will foster discussions between people who otherwise would never run into each other, leading to innovations.
Incorporating the principles of health into its design
A new state-of-the-art space for the IHI's education, research and innovation is underway on the Saint John campus. The Health and Social Innovation Centre (HSIC), a 65,000-square-foot, three-and-a-half-story building, has been designed to create an environment conducive to experiential learning and innovative entrepreneurial research, as well as health and wellness.
Connected to the rest of the campus by walking paths, a tunnel system and a ring road, the building will adhere to green building standards, aiming for the highest LEED certification and low carbon footprint. The HSIC, which will be accessible to everyone, will incorporate a geothermal system to support sustainable heating and cooling.
The building, overlooking the scenic Kennebecasis River, will contain public, as well as quieter, private spaces. In addition to active learning classrooms, the HSIC will come with a suite of flexible spaces that can be used as faculty offices, conference rooms, or group study rooms. There will also be a large multi-purpose room paired with a teaching kitchen used to promote healthy eating.
The area south of the HSIC will honour New Brunswick's Indigenous history and UNB's commitment to truth and reconciliation through a healing garden. This space will honour and share Indigenous ways of knowing and healing.
