Integrating Anthropology in Medical Education: Opportunities, Challenges, and Lessons
An increased awareness of the social determinants of disease and the role of social factors in patient health outcomes may open up opportunities for applied anthropologists in the field of medicine and other health sciences. Recent trends in medical education call for both increasing future physicians' competencies in social and behavioral sciences, as well as teamwork and communication. Cuff and Vanselow (2004:4) noted that: Skills in the behavioral and social sciences are essential for the prevention of many chronic diseases and for effective management of patients with these diseases… In addition good communication skills and the cross-disciplinary education discussed in this report will improve their ability to relate to their colleagues in medicine, as well as other professionals.