Over view of medical sociology

Christy Gary^*
*Correspondence: Christy Gary, Department of Sociology, George Mason University, Fairfax, United States, Email:

Received: 24-Jan-2022, Manuscript No. IJMSA-22-57375; Editor assigned: 26-Jan-2022, Pre QC No. IJMSA-22-57375; Reviewed: 09-Feb-2022, QC No. IJMSA-22-57375; Revised: 24-Mar-2022, Manuscript No. IJMSA-22-57375; Published: 31-Mar-2022

Editorial

Medical sociology is a branch of sociology dealing with the study and analysis of medical organization’s and institutions, and how social and cultural variables influence the areas of health and medicine. It's also called as health sociology.

It aids in the production of information about diverse approaches, the actions and interactions of medical professionals, and the socio-cultural consequences of medical practice. Health is sometimes considered as solely or largely a biological or individual concern, with little bearing on other people or society. This viewpoint holds that the primary determinants of health are either totally biological or entirely dependent on the individual.

While most diseases may have entirely biological roots, sociologists believe the picture is more complex. A disease may be classified not just as a medical issue, but also as a social or psychological problem. Diseases can also be caused by existing societal structures, an individual's lifestyle, social identities, experiences, etc.

For example, a person from a lower caste may be deprived of basic requirements such as fresh water, nutritious food, and adequate medical care, making them vulnerable to diseases. The condition of patients is improved through medical sociology because medical sociologists use their analytical and interpretative tools to conduct a comprehensive and extensive investigation. Furthermore, conducting research or surveys on patients, teaching people about various socio-cultural aspects impacting health, or striving to avoid disease outbreaks, among other things, all contribute to the improvement of medical facilities.

Medical sociology is usually taught in combination with sociology, clinical psychology, or even health studies. For master's degree courses, it is also paired with medical ethics or bioethics. Its presence in the field of medicine and health may be observed in medical studies pertaining to the community, such as social medicine, and subsequently in general practices, which reflect ‘social' aspects as causes of many diseases. It aids in the development of concepts in healthcare research, medical economics, medical anthropology, social epidemiology, demography, and ecology.

Those who desire to practice this profession will find opportunities. They can get a sociology degree while continuing to work in the field of medicine and health care. They can learn about the complicated process by which social concerns impact the health of people living in a certain society. They can look into the available data on such consequences and provide further information or suggestions on how to fix and remove those societal concerns.

Medical sociologists can work as healthcare workers, nurses, or psychologists or they might develop and evaluate policies, act as hospital managers, or represent human resources. They can use their understanding of social situations to help and enhance healthcare agencies, organizational structures, and care procedures. In short, medical sociology knowledge aids in the overall enhancement of society's health and well-being.

The epidemic of COVID-19 has drawn the whole world's population closer to the healthcare system. The pattern of illness propagation and the operation of the healthcare sector, as well as the manner in which healthcare impacts society's functioning and shapes individual viewpoints, are influenced by the behaviors and beliefs of society's members. In this sense, it is critical to investigate the cultural, social attitudes, healthcare institutions, and diseases that exist between society and medical treatment. Medical sociology studies this link and the elements that influence it, as well as the impact it has on society.