Work

A Clinical Perspective in Evolutionary Medicine: What We Wish We Had Learned in Medical School

Year: 2011

Type: article

Abstract: Medical students have much to gain by understanding how evolutionary principles affect human health and disease. Many theoretical and experimental studies have applied lessons from evolutionary biology to issues of critical importance to medical science. A firm grasp of evolution and natural selection is required to understand why the human body remains vulnerable to many diseases. Although we often integrate evolutionary concepts when we teach medical students and residents, the vast majority of medical students never receive any instruction on evolution. As a result, many trainees lack the tools to understand key advances and miss valuable opportunities for education and research. Here, we outline some of the evolutionary principles that we wished we had learned during our medical training.

Source: Evolution Education and Outreach

DOI: 10.1007/s12052-011-0362-1

Authors: Joe Alcock, Mark D. Schwartz

Institutions: University of New Mexico, New Mexico VA Health Care System, New York University

Language: English

Topic: Evolution and Science Education

Subfield: History and Philosophy of Science

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,390