Medical anthropology is a subfield of anthropology that studies how health, illness, and medical practices are shaped by cultural, social, historical, and biological factors. It examines the ways different societies understand and respond to health, disease, healing, and healthcare systems. Key areas of study include:
- Cultural interpretations of health and illness – How different cultures define and experience illness, pain, and healing.
- Traditional and modern medical systems – The role of folk medicine, indigenous healing practices, biomedicine, and alternative medicine.
- Health inequalities – The impact of social, economic, and political factors on access to healthcare and health outcomes.
- Doctor-patient relationships – How communication, beliefs, and trust shape medical treatment.
- Medical technologies and globalization – How medical advancements and global health initiatives influence societies.
Medical anthropologists work in healthcare settings, global health organizations, research institutions, and communities to improve health outcomes by considering cultural and social contexts.