The Context of Health

Why the Context of Health Matters

At the Frist College of Medicine, we focus on preparing tomorrow’s physicians to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare. Medicine isn’t just about diagnosing and treating symptoms—it’s about understanding the bigger picture. That’s why we emphasize the Context of Health, a concept that examines how interconnected social, environmental, cultural, political, spiritual, and economic factors shape health outcomes. This perspective aligns with our mission to develop future physician leaders who approach healthcare with a whole-person mindset, addressing root causes and systemic barriers to equitable care.

By weaving this understanding into every aspect of our curriculum, we ensure our students graduate not only as skilled clinicians, but also as thoughtful leaders equipped to tackle the systemic challenges that influence health at every level. The challenges facing healthcare today are bigger than any one doctor or patient.

By understanding the full context of health, our graduates are ready to step up as leaders, advocates, and changemakers. They leave our program equipped to not only treat patients but also drive the kind of systemic change that makes healthcare more equitable and effective for everyone.

What We're Doing at FCoM

We are actively integrating the Context of Health into medical education, research, and practice to prepare future physicians to address the broader determinants of health. Our key initiatives include:

Offering courses and case-based learning on social determinants of health, place-based disparities, health policy, and cultural competency to help students better understand systemic influences on patient outcomes.
Engaging students in hands-on, place-based learning where they explore real-world health challenges by working with underserved populations, public health organizations, and community partners.

Recognizing the role of faith, spirituality, and cultural beliefs in resilience, mental well-being, and healing. We integrate discussions on spiritual care into medical education, ensuring students understand its importance in holistic treatment.
Collaborating with public health agencies, social services, and non-profit organizations to develop interventions that address systemic barriers to health.

Shaping the Future of Healthcare

By embracing the Context of Health, physicians will be better equipped to treat not just the disease—but the whole person within their environment. At the Frist College of Medicine, we are shaping a new generation of healthcare professionals who understand that medicine is about more than diagnosis and treatment—it’s about recognizing the full complexity of health and working to create a system that promotes well-being for all.