Anna Lang Cass

Anna Cass

Associate Professor of Health Sciences

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Anna Cass is an epidemiologist with a background in clinical research and medical education. Presenting epidemiologic methods to students as a set of tools for use across a wide range of health concerns and populations, Dr. Cass has modeled this in her own research, which has ranged from population-based cancer research to hospital-associated infection surveillance, and from developmental-behavioral pediatric clinical model evaluation to that of faith-based holistic health promotion among older adults. Her current research considers wellbeing from the research participant perspective, considering the impact of healthcare utilization on the self-reported patient experience, and the relationship between student perceptions and their attitudes about health.

In the classroom, Anna Cass aims to inspire students to apply health knowledge to their personal wellness journey (HSC 101), to translate their observations about health problems into research questions and hypotheses (HSC 201), to recognize the role of public health in current issues surrounding them (HSC 205), to critically evaluate information and apply problem solving skills (HSC 401), and to prepare to join community efforts for positive public health impact (HSC 075).

Prior to joining the Furman faculty in 2016, she worked at Prisma Health. She was one of the charter faculty members at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville (USCSOMG), where she taught epidemiology, biostatistics, and research methods to medical students.

In her free time, Anna enjoys exploring the Upstate of South Carolina and traveling to national parks with her family.

Education

  • Ph.D., University of South Carolina
  • M.P.H., University of Kentucky
  • B.S., Furman University

Research
Dr. Cass has studied predictors of health outcomes in clinical populations across numerous clinical practice areas, including surgery, developmental-behavioral pediatrics, and infection prevention. Her Ph.D. research, conducted at Prisma Health, compared methods of identifying and measuring healthcare-associated infections. She is currently investigating how educational interventions impact knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of care providers and patients in populations who have experienced health and healthcare disparities.​

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