APPLIED TRAINING IN A MEDICAL ANTHROPOLOGY MASTER'S PROGRAM

Area of Science:

• Applied Anthropology
• Medical Anthropology
• Public Health

Background:

• Applied anthropology requires practical skills for real-world impact.
• Master of Science programs increasingly integrate experiential learning.
• The opioid epidemic necessitates effective pain management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the process of acquiring practical skills for applied anthropology.
• To detail the development of a research project in pain management within a clinical setting.
• To illustrate the integration of theoretical and logistical research components.

Main Methods:

• Service-Learning Internship Program (SLIP) for early field site familiarization.
• Thesis fieldwork conducted in a Veterans Affairs hospital pain clinic.
• Utilizing Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval as a case study for skill integration.

Main Results:

• Students gain familiarity with field sites prior to intensive fieldwork.
• The SLIP facilitated a research focus on pain management during the opioid epidemic.
• The research process involved developing questions, meeting requirements, data collection, analysis, and writing.

Conclusions:

• Hands-on training through programs like SLIP is essential for applied anthropologists.
• Mentorship is crucial for navigating the complexities of research.
• Graduates are prepared to apply anthropological approaches in professional settings.