This medical anthropology course examines the history, culture, and politics that shape health care work and organizations. Beginning with the notion of "competencies" in biomedical training, this course examines the models of professional enculturation and competition in established and emerging health professions. The course will focus on the conceptual and embodied formation of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and collaboration between professional and nonprofessional caregivers; examining in particular the discourse of "cultural competence." Readings include autobiographical and ethnographic accounts of healthcare professionals, staff, and family caregivers. Students conduct qualitative interviews with a variety of health care workers to analyze specific cultural and political contexts of care and health professional education. 3 cr, Spring sem. Th 3:30-6:15, Charles River Campus.

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