Coursework

As mentioned previously, this course inspired me to further explore the knowledge anthropology has to offer those pursuing a medical profession and opened my eyes to many factors beyond physiological processes that affect an individual's health. The various literature we explored in that class showed me the importance of truly understanding an individual's background and culture in order to better empathize with their experiences and provide the most optimal care possible.

This class truly surprised me in its ability to expand my perspectives on the power of narratives, both real and fictional, in advancing our understanding of complex processes and enhancing our capacity to understand the experiences of others. The material I learned in this class truly prepared me as a reader and writer, but most important as a listener who is able to grasp individual stories and understand the ramifications of others' experiences in their long-term wellbeing.

This course represents the birth place of my current research into women's pain. I vividly remember reading an article and listening to a podcast where women were subjected to severe pain in spite of clearly vocalizing their suffering during very sensitive procedures. The articles we discussed in class provided the foundation for my current research and cemented my partnership with my mentor.

This past summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Greece during a UF-sponsored study abroad program centered around working with medical NGOs and exploring the Greek healthcare system through the lens of medical narratives. Through this course, I had the privilege of examining the Greek healthcare system and interacting with various stakeholders, including patients, administrators, providers, and medical school professors, all of which offered unique perspectives on health narratives in the Greek context that have thoroughly inspired me to expand my research in the future.