Applied Medical Anthropology
Applied medical anthropology is the intervention, prevention, policy issues, and analysis of the socioeconomic forces and power to differentiate the influence to the access of care. Anthropologists take on the job knowing they also become advocates for the community they reside in and attempt to do research that happens to be insightful and ethically sound (Aus: D. Levinson, 1996). The methods of research range from qualitative to quantitative.
In Exploring Medical Anthropology, applied medical anthropology is worded as the application of anthropological theories and methods to health interventions in international and domestic health projects (pg,137). Joralemon states that applied medical anthropology pursues more effective health interventions. Their role is considered to be a cultural broker; someone who is the mediator between groups of people in different cultural backgrounds to reduce tension or reduce any conflicting changes that could potentially occur. As though they are advocating between different cultural backgrounds (Fadiman, 1997).
Applied medical anthropologists have mainly two ways that illustrate their work. They are mainly employed organizations through the government and contribute to methodological techniques and having experiences in the cultural field to create and implement the ideas of health care educations for the public (Joralemon 2010: 92). Also, these anthropologists are the ones who analyze the socioeconomic conditions causing the health problems and creates interventions with social reforms needed to effectively enhance these societies (pg, 92). Although many are employed through the government, many applied medical anthropologists are employed through non-governmental organizations as well. In some of these cases, these anthropologists set up their own firms. They turn to the domestic context to work on these health care projects funded by community-based health organizations, states, cities, and private-foundations (Joralemon 2010: 92).
In Exploring Medical Anthropology, applied medical anthropology is worded as the application of anthropological theories and methods to health interventions in international and domestic health projects (pg,137). Joralemon states that applied medical anthropology pursues more effective health interventions. Their role is considered to be a cultural broker; someone who is the mediator between groups of people in different cultural backgrounds to reduce tension or reduce any conflicting changes that could potentially occur. As though they are advocating between different cultural backgrounds (Fadiman, 1997).
Applied medical anthropologists have mainly two ways that illustrate their work. They are mainly employed organizations through the government and contribute to methodological techniques and having experiences in the cultural field to create and implement the ideas of health care educations for the public (Joralemon 2010: 92). Also, these anthropologists are the ones who analyze the socioeconomic conditions causing the health problems and creates interventions with social reforms needed to effectively enhance these societies (pg, 92). Although many are employed through the government, many applied medical anthropologists are employed through non-governmental organizations as well. In some of these cases, these anthropologists set up their own firms. They turn to the domestic context to work on these health care projects funded by community-based health organizations, states, cities, and private-foundations (Joralemon 2010: 92).
This video shows that anthropology is not just just within the field, it it used throughout many career fields. It is a vital part to our everyday lives.
Video retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94fdBg0HBT0&list=PL3FABC2F82674A4A4.
Video retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94fdBg0HBT0&list=PL3FABC2F82674A4A4.
Applied medical anthropologists are sometimes "stuck between a hard place and a rock" (Joralemon 2010: 98). These anthropologists are always feeling as though they have to justify their reasoning to a whole group of people. They are susceptible to everything from budget pressures in medical schools and hospitals to political swings in Washington, D.C (pg. 98). It is rare for there to be more than one anthropologist on a team of workers; therefore, they are without the support on their reasoning. As Exploring Medical Anthropology states, the most thoroughgoing questioning of applied medical anthropology has come from critical medical anthropologists (pg. 98).
This photo indicates that anthropology
does make a difference in the world.
Photo retrieved from www.anthropology.usf.edu
Relevance to "the resolution of health and healthcare problems"?
Question: Do applied medical anthropologists have something to offer to the resolution of health and health care problems?
Answer: Absolutely. There is a reason there are medical anthropologists in the world. Medical anthropology seeks to understand the cultural and biological aspects of disease. They learn about the cultural differences and are able to understand and explain what causes illnesses and what different cultures view as acceptable treatments (O'neil, 2012). Medical anthropologists sometimes work with the doctors and nurses to better understand their patients needs and to communicate with them effectively. These anthropologists are in the healthcare field trying to make the other health care workers understand the disease process and treatments that individuals around the world are dealing with. They are working towards a more clear understanding of diseases and treatments which will ultimately offer a resolution to the patient's health and the health care problems occurring worldwide.
Answer: Absolutely. There is a reason there are medical anthropologists in the world. Medical anthropology seeks to understand the cultural and biological aspects of disease. They learn about the cultural differences and are able to understand and explain what causes illnesses and what different cultures view as acceptable treatments (O'neil, 2012). Medical anthropologists sometimes work with the doctors and nurses to better understand their patients needs and to communicate with them effectively. These anthropologists are in the healthcare field trying to make the other health care workers understand the disease process and treatments that individuals around the world are dealing with. They are working towards a more clear understanding of diseases and treatments which will ultimately offer a resolution to the patient's health and the health care problems occurring worldwide.
Chelsey Victor • Utica College • Cultures, Health and Healing - ANT 415 • Spring 2014