The Medical Anthropologist will provide support to the medical team in understanding and resolving cultural issues that may impact health outcomes. The Medical Anthropologist will also work with the community to promote health and wellness initiatives. Essential duties include conducting research, participating in outreach activities, and providing culturally competent care. The Medical Anthropologist must have a strong understanding of cultural practices and beliefs, as well as be able to effectively communicate with people from various backgrounds.

Medical Anthropologist Job Responsibilities

  • Conduct research on the social and cultural aspects of health, illness, and medical care.
  • Design and carry out studies on specific populations or groups of people.
  • Understand how biological, social, and cultural factors influence health and illness.
  • Develop theories and models to explain the link between culture and health outcomes.
  • Work with other disciplines to apply anthropological knowledge to solving problems in healthcare delivery, public health policy, and medical education.
  • Teach courses in medical anthropology at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Objectives

  • To conduct research on the effects of culture and society on health and illness.
  • To develop an understanding of how different cultures view health and illness.
  • To develop crosscultural competence in order to effectively communicate with people from different cultures about health and illness.
  • To promote cultural competence in healthcare settings in order to provide culturally competent care.
  • To advocate for social justice in healthcare in order to ensure that all people have access to quality healthcare regardless of their cultural background.

Medical Anthropologist Job Skills & Qualifications Needed

  • A medical anthropologist typically has a background in anthropology, sociology, and psychology. They should have excellent research skills and be able to effectively communicate their findings to both academic and lay audiences.