Global Healthcare Professionals in Medical Anthropology: issues of theory, methods and practice (CfP, EASA and RAI, 9-11th September 2015)

Research Summary: Global Healthcare Professionals in Medical Anthropology

Category: Academic Conference Panel & Call for Papers

Event: MAGic 2015 Conference, EASA & RAI, University of Sussex, 9-11 September 2015

Primary Focus: Intersections of clinical practice and anthropological research in global health contexts

Target Participants: Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, anthropologists, and students combining healthcare with anthropological research

Key Research Questions: Impact of physician-anthropologist role on theoretical approaches, methodologies, ethical considerations, and patient outcomes in global health interventions

Submission Deadline: 27 April 2015

Abstract Requirements: Short abstract (< 300 characters) and long abstract (< 250 words)

Evidence Focus: Best practice exemplars and lessons learned from applied anthropological research with documented patient impact

MAGic 2015 conference – ‘Anthropology and Global Health: interrogating theory, policy and practice’
European Association of Social Anthropologists (EASA) & RAI at the University of Sussex, 9-11^th September 2015

This panel explores the role of practicing healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists and other allied professionals) involved in anthropological research in global health. We invite papers from anthropologists, healthcare professionals and students who have observed/experienced first-hand the theoretical, methodological and practical issues involved when combining clinical practice with anthropological research. We particularly invite papers highlighting examples of best practice and lessons learned from the field (see abstract, below).

Please submit paper abstracts by clicking the ‘Propose paper’ link at the bottom of the page:

This should include:

a paper title
authors/co-authors
a short abstract of fewer than 300 characters
a long abstract of fewer than 250 words

Panel abstract:

Healthcare professionals are often key stakeholders at the intersections of Global Health and Medical Anthropology, but discussion around what this means for the disciplines and practitioners involved remains limited. This panel, convened by junior doctors and medical students, seeks to explore the impact of this work and to interrogate what this might mean for both disciplines, their practitioners and, crucially, for their patients and research subjects. The role of ‘physician-anthropologist’, spearheaded by Paul Farmer, Vinh-Kim Nguyen and other high-profile individuals, is inspiring a new generation of healthcare professionals to combine clinical work with anthropologically-grounded research and practice. How does their depth of understanding and experience as well as their stakeholder status impact upon their theoretical approaches and chosen research methodologies? Do healthcare professionals have a bias when formulating objectives, interpreting data and developing practical applications from their research? What are the ethical issues raised? Anthropological research is gaining increasing appreciation and credibility as it aids the design, implementation and evaluation of Global Health interventions. Consequently, healthcare professionals are increasingly involved in Medical Anthropology as participants. How can their engagement with research be better understood? How can resultant evidence-based interventions requiring collaboration with healthcare professionals be optimised to maximise positive outcomes for patients? This panel invites papers that explore the questions above, stimulate considerable discussion and further the discourse in this field. We particularly welcome papers that showcase best practice and lessons learned, specifically with a focus on applied research that has impacted patients and participants.

Call for papers closes on 27^th April 2015