Structural Determinants of Health and Disease

0-0.5 credits · School of Medicine

The Structural Determinants of Health and Disease (SDHD) course equips clinical-phase medical students with the skills and knowledge to recognize and respond to structural barriers that impact health outcomes. The course's overall goal is to deepen students' structural competency and professionalism through clerkship-specific exploration of systemic drivers of health. Through case-based discussions, focused lectures, readings, and reflective practice, students will strengthen their ability to: engage in patient-centered care that accounts for social and structural context, collaborate effectively across diverse teams, and advocate for equitable care while demonstrating professionalism, ethical awareness, and cultural humility in clinical decision-making. For questions, please contact Dr. Railey, (Kenyon.railey@duke.edu). The course is graded as 'Credit/No Credit'. Credit: 0.5; Enrollment max: 130. Kenyon Railey, MD and Victoria Parente, MD, MPH