Meeting the Moment: Medicine in Social Context

Healthcare does not exist in a vacuum—social, historical, and structural forces shape the way medicine is practiced and experienced. Meeting the Moment: Medicine in Social Context is an educational series designed to explore how these forces influence healthcare access, patient outcomes, and the experiences of medical professionals.

Through expert lectures and community discussions, this series examines systemic challenges in healthcare delivery, including social determinants of health and structural barriers to equitable care. Participants will gain historical and contemporary perspectives on these issues and discuss strategies to foster patient-centered care, collaborative medical environments, and professional growth.

Systemic racism and other structural inequities have contributed to disparities in education, employment, and healthcare access. By critically engaging with these realities, we aim to equip our community with the tools to navigate the evolving landscape of medicine with awareness, adaptability, and a commitment to excellent patient care.

This series is open to all members of the Harvard Dermatology community, including trainees, faculty, clinical and administrative staff, nurses, researchers, and students across our six affiliated hospitals.

Topics & Past Sessions Have Included:

• Medicine in Historical and Social Context: How the Past Shapes Patient Care Today

• Physician Leadership in Addressing Barriers to Healthcare Access

• Bias in Clinical Decision-Making: Recognizing and Addressing Its Impact

• Building Supportive Medical Environments: Strategies for Collaboration and Belonging