Reflection
This medical anthropology class has given me a better understanding of the role that anthropology takes in our health systems around the world. It has shown me how important it is to take culture into account when discussing medicine, especially through treatment and research. By understanding the different approaches to medical anthropology, I can more efficiently learn and study diseases around the world to supplement my Public Health school goals in the future. The picture to the right shows how different medicines look around the world. It is our duty as a society to be aware of these treatments and take each cultures standards into account.
Every culture around the world understands, and treats illnesses in their own way. Everything from politics, to the economy, to diet, to daily activities can lead to different health outcomes. It is the job of researchers and medical professionals to identify these differences within cultures. They can then use this information to treat patients in the most efficient ways, around the world. For example, if a disease has become an epidemic in an area of the world, we can ask ourselves what about this culture could have caused this. The answer to questions like these can lead us in the right direction towards health.
Every culture around the world understands, and treats illnesses in their own way. Everything from politics, to the economy, to diet, to daily activities can lead to different health outcomes. It is the job of researchers and medical professionals to identify these differences within cultures. They can then use this information to treat patients in the most efficient ways, around the world. For example, if a disease has become an epidemic in an area of the world, we can ask ourselves what about this culture could have caused this. The answer to questions like these can lead us in the right direction towards health.
Medical anthropology is so very important to the world because it allows us to connect and understand one another. By working together to solve our health issues around the world, we can be more successful in improving the length and quality of our lives. The picture to the left shows a doctor helping a young boy in a country of Africa. This doctor works for the foundation Doctors Without Borders. This is a group of doctors that use their skills around the world in order to learn about disease and illness in other cultures and find out the best ways to treat the sick. By using the approaches to medical anthropolgy these doctors can be more successful in their treatment and be more accepted by these foreign cultures receiving treatment (1). Click below to learn more.
Also, I recommend the Youtube channel TedTalks that has led me on many research adventures throughout my college career. They discuss many real world medical issues and often highlight the most innovative treatments and research around the world. Click the button below to view these videos (2).
(1) "MSF USA | Medical aid where it is needed most. Independent. Neutral. Impartial.." MSF USA. http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/ (accessed August 15, 2014.(2) YouTube. "TEDx Talks." YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsT0YIqwnpJCM-mx7-gSA4Q (accessed August 15, 2014).