Illness as a problem of meaning: moving culture from the classroom to the clinic

The concept of culture is used as a means to understand illness knowledge and behavior. Recently the concept has been subject to critique by those who question its usefulness in a modern world. Clearly the time is ripe for a renewed look at how the concept of culture is presented to, and utilized by, health professionals. I suggest a perspective that bridges anthropologic theory and clinical application, and examine illness as a problem of meaning. Clinical examples illustrate ways the concept can be applied in a nondominating manner.