Teaching the Social Sciences in Residency

Abstract

Social sciences are only rarely integrated into graduate medical curricula, though there have been several calls for increasing social sciences in medical education. The usual approaches to teaching the social sciences in graduate medical education in the current literature include basing curricula on the Behavioral and Social Sciences model or the Social Determinants of Health model. One further approach attempts to teach competencies that suggest intersections between the social sciences and competency frameworks. A foundation of social science knowledge, analogous to the foundational basic science and clinical science knowledge learned by trainees to support medical expertise, could support the broader competencies required for trainees to become competent physicians. This chapter describes a model of foundational social science knowledge, developed from research findings. The chapter provides curricular ideas, practical tips, discussion questions, and helpful links for program directors looking to incorporate social science teaching in their programs.