About the Department

The Department of Health and Clinical Outcomes Research (HCOR), housed within the Saint Louis University School of Medicine is comprised of three academic programs: the dynamic and fast-growing Master of Science in Health Data Science (HDS), the health outcomes research Ph.D. program, and a dual-degree option combining our Ph.D. and the M.D. degree. 

Students in our academic programs are taught by faculty with backgrounds in health outcomes, epidemiology, biostatistics, behavioral health and data science. Many of our faculty also work with or hold leadership positions in the Advanced HEAlth Data (AHEAD) research institute which unites SLU researchers from various fields and disciplines to conduct data-driven research to improve patient and population health, advance health care quality and decrease health care costs. This collaboration provides timely, real-world examples that can be incorporated into courses and class discussions, giving students a glimpse into practical applications of their degree. 

During their time with us, students learn how to use tools such as predictive modeling and machine learning, R, SAS and others to analyze health care data and make real-world connections to improve the delivery of health care. Our M.D./Ph.D. students also develop skills to conduct and lead innovative research that applies to their patients, how to use data to improve patient outcomes and provide the framework to disseminate research findings. 

Our HDS students also receive specific health-related training in health services and policy, financing of health care, research methodology, scientific writing, and foundations of medical diagnosis and treatment along with many other topics. Our graduates gain the competence to synthesize and communicate complicated health data in a meaningful way to make impactful change across health systems.