University of New Haven’s School of Health Sciences Among First in U.S. to Pursue Affiliation with International Patient-Centered Care Organization

Earning a certification from Planetree International, an organization founded nearly 50 years ago, represents the highest achievement in patient- and family-centered care.

February 22, 2019

The University of New Haven’s School of Health Sciences announced today it has signed a letter of intent to become one of the first schools in the United States to pursue higher education certification from Planetree International, a leading nonprofit that works with organizations around the world to promote patient-centered care as a model for improving the quality of healthcare.

"It is a critical component of the School of Health Sciences’ mission to incorporate person-centered care into health sciences education," said Summer McGee, Ph.D., Dean of the University’s School of Health Sciences. "Earning our certification from Planetree will enrich our efforts to educate competent and caring professionals who are equipped to solve today’s healthcare challenges."

"Earning our certification from Planetree will enrich our efforts to educate competent and caring professionals who are equipped to solve today’s healthcare challenges."Summer McGee, Ph.D., Dean, School of Health Sciences

In pursuing the certification, the University is committing to instilling person-centered care principles in all health sciences students; building an environment focused on transparency and student engagement; and creating opportunities that focus on diversity and inclusion, holistic care, and wellness.

The University’s School of Health Sciences, which was established in 2018, has more than 55 full-time and part-time faculty, more than 450 students, and eight undergraduate and graduate programs – and new programs in development.

"As a new School of Health Sciences, we are dedicated to incorporating the principles of person-centered care from day one to create student, faculty, and staff experiences that are unlike those at any other health sciences school in the nation," said McGee. "The relationship between Planetree and the University of New Haven represents an unprecedented opportunity to develop and grow a health education organization from the ground up with a person-centered care approach as the focus of everything we do. The Planetree philosophy is consistent with our mission, our commitment to excellence, and our plans for new program development."

"This affiliation demonstrates the School of Health Sciences’ commitment to training caring health professionals who are prepared to be at the forefront of the future of healthcare."Summer McGee, Ph.D., Dean, School of Health Sciences

Planetree International was founded by a patient in 1978 to inspire healthcare professionals to make patients partners in their care by personalizing and humanizing the patient experience. The organization has empowered more than nine million patients and healthcare providers to look at the care journey in a whole new way.

"Becoming one of the first colleges or universities to earn this certification from an organization as esteemed as Planetree will differentiate and distinguish the University of New Haven’s School of Health Sciences," said McGee. "This affiliation demonstrates our commitment to training caring health professionals who are prepared to be at the forefront of the future of healthcare."