Research Abstract

The Role of Culture in Medicine: An examination of the role of culture in medicine in the context of the American and the African experience

The purpose of this thesis is to define the role of culture in medicine. This will be done by examining both the American and the African perspectives on the issues of health, illness and healing. These perspectives help shape the practice of medicine within their particular societies. Other important terms in medicine, those of disease and curing, will be explained in order to enhance the reader's understanding of these terms and, at the same time, explain their relevance to medicine. The primary reasons for conflict that occur in cross-cultural medicine will be addressed along with some simple solutions that could work toward a more satisfying experience in medical situations.