Debra Basalik

I have worked at UNC Charlotte in the Communication Studies Department for many years, primarily teaching on the Health Communication Track. Now, I teach full-time in Interdisciplinary Studies. I obtained my bachelor’s degree from WVU and my master’s and doctorate from UNC Charlotte. My research interests include health literacy, caregiver stress, and public health communication.

The course HHUM 2100, Intro to Health & Medical Humanities, draws upon aspects of the arts and humanities to understand health and illness. It uses the creative and fine arts (including visual arts, music, and performing arts) and humanities disciplines (including literary studies, languages, law, history, and anthropology) to understand health and well-being better.

The course HHUM 4800, Health & Medical Humanities Portfolio Capstone, focuses on health communication at the intersection of race and healthcare using a critical/cultural lens. Racial disparities in healthcare access, quality, and outcomes are pervasive and persistent. This course examines how racism is a fundamental driver of these racial disparities and how healthcare systems and employees must address racism as their professional responsibility through training, support, and inclusion.

HHUM Courses

HHUM 2100

HHUM 4800

IDST 3100