Pursuing Medical Anthropology
Introduction
The often-forgotten field of Medical Anthropology is commonly defined as a subfield of Anthropology that uses worldwide social, cultural, and other similar factors to discern how they could affect human health. Although the masses might be aware of this broad definition, the most untold factor is its importance in the true understanding of public health policy, different medical practices around the world, and more. In fact, Medical Anthropology is quite the enigma.
Body
Despite my evident vouching for the increased awareness of Medical Anthropology and all its benefits, there is one plain pitfall: insufficient resources exhibited. To be specific, as a high school student, I can regretfully state that I never would’ve known this field existed without my own research into how I could combine my twin interests in the (Neuroscience) medical field and the act of creating projects relating to public policy for my school and county communities. In addition, the majority of information about, as well as resources for, the comprehension of this topic are at the professional level, unable to be understood by many young and impressionable hopefuls. Therefore, it is my well-informed opinion that children’s mentors (teachers, parents, etc.) should educate their adolescents on further educational and career-based opportunities that are not commonly part of the standard curriculum, especially one that connects the workings of people worldwide with healthcare systems.
Nonetheless, I am delighted to say that the vast majority of the pursuit of Medical Anthropology is positive and much more practical than most know! First, as previously stated, this subfield acts as a connection between studies in the sciences and the humanities. One would think that the understanding of humans and their ways were already an integral part of medical curriculums, and this is true to a certain extent (that has much to do with patient interactions); however, these programs are lacking in a proper comprehension of the expansive world’s population of people and their everyday lives. Consequently, this is also often true of studies in the social sciences and humanities, where the inner scientific workings of a person or concept are not entirely understood. With this being said, Medical Anthropology is the perfect method for people, especially medical students, to have an accurate, extensive understanding of the ways of people unlike themselves.
Conclusion
Ultimately, I am proud to say that Medical Anthropology is a topic I plan to pursue in the near future as an undergraduate and, later, a medical student. Moreover, my best-case scenario is that I am able to study it as a Major, Minor, or Certificate Program so that I can research the topic further. Still, I am also very aware of the outstanding efforts of many wonderful universities to make this (and very similar subjects) part of their course curriculums in the form of “Global/Public Health,” “Medical Sociology,” “Health and Societies,” and more similar titles. Therefore, I hope you, whoever and wherever you are, take a moment to look into Medical Anthropology and discover its benefits too!