There is often a debate about whether medicine is an art or a science. Our medical curriculum tends to favour the science bit, with pathophysiology of diseases and treatment algorithms dominating our learning agenda. Social determinants of health also have equal importance in influencing one’s health, but are we taught enough to address this?
Timestamps:
0:00 - 3:15 Intro
3:16 - 7:19 How much do you get taught about social determinants of health at medical school
7:20 - 12:00 Do we apply what we learn in medical training about social determinants on health in actual clinical practice?
12:01 - 14:29 There is no easy one-size-fits-all managing social determinants of health
14:30 - 18:53 How do you adapt management plans according to the patient’s circumstances?
18:54 - 21:15 A medical student who has experienced homelessness before shares her insight
21:16 - 24:26 Importance of diversifying the demographic of medical students
24:27 - 28:10 The importance of empathy, compassion and being non-judgemental
29:20 - 34:20 Doctors make up the system that patients have to go through, and we can make the experience pleasant for patients
34:21 - 35:18 Vote for Lily as the next prime minister!
35:19 - 36:44 What medical students can do to address social determinants of health outside of medical capacity
36:45- 39:47 What you can do to learn more about social determinants of health in and outside of medical school
39:48 - 43:38 Final remarks
Expert guest:
Dr Andrew Moscrop (@andrewmoscrop on Twitter) is a GP working in a health centre for people who are homeless in Oxford and a researcher in social determinants of health.
Thank you to Maz Sadler who contributed to this episode.
Recommended reading:
If social determinants of health are so important, shouldn’t we ask patients about them? https://www.bmj.com/content/371/bmj.m4150
*We’re looking for new panel members!*
Are you a:
✅ Medical student
✅ Listener of Sharp Scratch
✅ Keen on representing the voice of medical students?
In the past, the panel only consisted of medical students studying in the UK. However, remote recording meant that we can extend this opportunity to medical students in other countries. If you’re interested, please apply via the link below. We look forward to hearing from you!
Apply here: https://forms.gle/QocryfkG137cWTb88
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This podcast is produced and edited by Dom Byrne and Duncan Jarvies.