Social Determinants of Health in Appalachia

Additional Authors

Chibuike Azogini, Gianna Becerra, Srihitha Dantuluri, Meira Desai, Delaney Morris, Skylar Olds, Astha Patel, JaMya Rogan, Michele Vincent, Jack Womack, Lauren Yobst

Abstract

In this project, each team member spent at least eight hours shadowing a doctor who practices in the Tri-Cities. After completing the shadowing hours, students interviewed the doctors shadowed regarding their background, training, education, current role, as well as what they deemed the “most pressing health and medicine-related social issues” in the area. The class identified common themes among the social issues raised by the doctors. Using this data, they created hypothetical patient cases that represent the prevalent social indicators of health in the region.


The community partners involved were physicians practicing in Appalachia who are interested in rural healthcare and the issues surrounding a lack of access to high quality care; therefore, working with premedical undergraduates gives physicians insight into what the next generation of physicians are considering important.

Start Time

15-4-2026 2:00 PM

End Time

15-4-2026 2:20 PM

Room Number

Reece Museum

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Presentation Subtype

Community Engagement Showcase

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Apr 15th, 2:00 PM Apr 15th, 2:20 PM

Social Determinants of Health in Appalachia

Reece Museum

In this project, each team member spent at least eight hours shadowing a doctor who practices in the Tri-Cities. After completing the shadowing hours, students interviewed the doctors shadowed regarding their background, training, education, current role, as well as what they deemed the “most pressing health and medicine-related social issues” in the area. The class identified common themes among the social issues raised by the doctors. Using this data, they created hypothetical patient cases that represent the prevalent social indicators of health in the region.


The community partners involved were physicians practicing in Appalachia who are interested in rural healthcare and the issues surrounding a lack of access to high quality care; therefore, working with premedical undergraduates gives physicians insight into what the next generation of physicians are considering important.