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About

Dr. Brenda Vrkljan
Professor & IRH Program Director

Message from the Director

The goal of the BHSc (Hons) IRH program is to provide unique and leading-edge learning opportunities that focus on the ‘art and science’ of health and well-being. By focusing on the interface between rehabilitation, health and the humanities, students in this undergraduate degree will learn what it means to be human at its most fundamental level. Humanity is reflected in the creative arts, literature, music, history, peace and cultural studies, linguistics, the classics, communication studies, philosophy, ethics, theatre, film and more. Recent evidence highlights the benefits of having training grounded in the humanities for those who work in health-related professions. Such training has been shown to improve communication, reflexivity and observation skills. Professionals who understand the complex nature of health and well-being are better able to address the health and social needs of individuals and their communities.

Using a strengths-based approach, we recognize, celebrate and are excited by what you will bring to our learning environment as an undergraduate student in our BHSc (Hons) IRH program.

We hope you enjoy reading more about our program!

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

About the Program

By drawing on the combined strengths of McMaster’s leading-edge faculties, students will take courses that provide the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to address the complex nature of health and well-being. Through cross-faculty experiential learning, coursework and other co-curricular activities, students will learn about restoring, maintaining and improving health through rehabilitation using creative approaches grounded in the humanities.