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Medical Schools Should Teach Behavioral and Social Science, Says Report
By Catherine Groux
Posted January 16, 2012 01:45 PM
A new report by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) states that during their time in medical school, doctorate degree (MD) seekers should acquire a basic understanding of how lifestyle, behavior and economic status affect patients’ health, according to a press release.
The report states that medical students who understand behavioral and social science will become physicians that can ask their patients better questions and identify concepts that might affect their health.
"In addition to medical knowledge, a well-rounded physician must understand the cultural, familial, economic and demographic factors that affect health and disease," said AAMC President and CEO Darrell G. Kirch. "To deliver quality patient-centered care, today’s doctors need to be equipped with effective methods to help people change behavior to optimize health."
According
A new report says doctorate degree seekers should learn about behavioral and social science. to the book Improving Medical Education: Enhancing the Behavioral and Social Science Content of Medical School Curricula, about half of the causes of mortality in the U.S. are connected to behavioral and social factors. For this reason, it is even more crucial for future doctors to gain a broad understanding of these areas.
