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Embedding Behavioral and Social Sciences across the Medical Curriculum: (Auto) Ethnographic Insights from Medical Schools in the United Kingdom

Author

Listed:
  • Lisa Dikomitis

    (Kent and Medway Medical School, University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury CT2 7FS, UK)

  • Brianne Wenning

    (Kent and Medway Medical School, University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury CT2 7FS, UK)

  • Andrew Ghobrial

    (The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London E1 1FR, UK)

  • Karen M. Adams

    (School of Medicine, Keele University, Newcastle ST5 5BG, UK)

Abstract

Key concepts and theories that are taught in order to develop cultural competency skills are often introduced to medical students throughout behavioral and social science (BSS) learning content. BSS represents a core component of medical education in the United Kingdom. In this paper, we examine, through (auto)ethnographic data and reflections, the experiences of BSS in medical education. The empirical data and insights have been collected in two ways: (1) through long-term ethnographic fieldwork among medical students and (2) via autoethnographic reflexive practice undertaken by the co-authors who studied, worked, examined, and collaborated with colleagues at different UK medical schools. Our findings indicate that despite BSS constituting a mandatory, essential component of the medical curriculum, medical students did not always perceive BSS as useful for their future practice as doctors, nor did they find it to be clinically relevant, in comparison to the biomedical learning content. We suggest that it is paramount for all stakeholders to commit to cultivating and developing cultural competency skills in medical education, through robustly embedding BSS learning content across the undergraduate medical curriculum. We conclude with recommendations for a wide range of educational practices that would ensure a full integration of BSS in the medical curriculum.

Suggested Citation

  • Lisa Dikomitis & Brianne Wenning & Andrew Ghobrial & Karen M. Adams, 2022. "Embedding Behavioral and Social Sciences across the Medical Curriculum: (Auto) Ethnographic Insights from Medical Schools in the United Kingdom," Societies, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-20, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:12:y:2022:i:4:p:101-:d:852849
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Metzl, Jonathan M. & Hansen, Helena, 2014. "Structural competency: Theorizing a new medical engagement with stigma and inequality," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 126-133.
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    1. Costas S. Constantinou & Panayiota Andreou & Monica Nikitara & Alexia Papageorgiou, 2022. "Cultural Competence in Healthcare and Healthcare Education," Societies, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-4, November.

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