Before taking this class, I was not aware first, that medical anthropology existed, and secondly, what a large role it plays in many aspects of the medical field. I also assumed that, even though there may be cultural differences, diseases would affect individuals fairly the same way. I did not previously realize how many different aspects there are to be taken into consideration when an individual contracts a disease. After taking this course I realized how connected medicine and culture really are. Differences in culture can greatly affect how individuals experience a disease and also how they are best treated based on those cultural differences. Not all the same treatments will work for the same people if they have different cultural backgrounds and beliefs. After taking this course I also realized how many aspects of medical anthropology there are as well. One of the approaches I found most helpful in understanding illness was the narrative approach. The narrative approach allows a medical professional to understand how a disease affects a patient emotionally and mentally and also allows them to understand each individual’s outlook and attitude towards their disease. I also found the applied approach helpful as well in understanding illness as it focuses on how different aspects of a society can affect a disease and how it affects individuals. I did not realize how helpful anthropology could be to medicine when it is used in the applied approach. Had I not taken this class, I would not have realized how important and applicable these approaches are to my future professional life. One of the things I found most surprising was the result from the health equity quiz. I did not anticipate that financial status was so important in determining how good an individual’s health and healthcare would be. This was also very memorable to me, as I will take it into consideration in my professional life and work to help those who do not have access to the healthcare they need and need extra medical attention. The issue of how treatment of diseases is received in other countries and also who receives it as a priority, such as the issue of who should receive Ebola treatment in Africa right now, is a topic that would have fit well into the course curriculum because of its relevance to anthropology and how culture affects how diseases affect an individual based on that culture.
http://www.unnaturalcauses.org/interactivities_01-1.php
http://www.unnaturalcauses.org/interactivities_01-1.php