PHCY 5039 - The Social Determinants of Health

Cr Hrs: 2 (2-0-0)
Session Length: 7 weeks

The conditions in which a person lives, works, and plays are primary drivers of health outcomes throughout the lifespan. Researchers estimate that 20% of our health outcomes are driven by healthcare access and quality. But 80% of what shapes our health depends upon the Social Determinants of health (SDoH). Socio-economic status, the neighborhoods we live in, our access to nutritious foods, and our belonging to stigmatized groups based on race, ethnicity, immigrant status, or sexuality or gender expression all shape our health outcomes. This leads to health disparities, which occur when there is a gap between expected health outcomes and those experienced by a particular disadvantaged group.

This course will provide a foundation for understanding SDoH and developing the skills needed to address SDoH in clinical practice and in the community. Students will learn core content knowledge about how the conditions in which people live, work, and play impact health outcomes. Furthermore, the impact of poverty, racism, and discrimination will be emphasized.

Repeatability (The maximum credit hours a student may have for this course.): 2

Grade Mode: Standard grade

Mode of Delivery (Online or Hybrid): Online
Instructional Method: Lecture
Term offered: Spring

Spring - Instructor of Record: Charlie Snyder
Spring - Additional Instructor 1: Brandy Brown
Course Coordinator: Charlie Snyder - snyder@uthsc.edu

Prior Authorization: No