Culture & Health

Introduction

Dr. Schrift, in BruggeDr. Melissa Schrift is a Professor of Anthropology at East Tennessee State University, Director of the Culture & Health Minor and the Pre-Health Academic Liaison for the College of Arts & Sciences. She has taught in the areas of Cultural and Medical anthropology for over 20 years. The Culture and Health minor offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of medicine and health with a focus on diversity and cultural competence. The minor has been one of the most robust at ETSU due to the focus on experiential learning and mentoring.

Beginning Fall 2023, the new Culture and Health minor will be in place. For more information, please contact Dr. Schrift via email at schrift@etsu.edu.

To read what some of Dr. Schrift's previous students have to say, check out our Student Reflections section below.

On the left, an image of a skull with half a flesh face; on the right, an image of a winding, Elizabethan England road, "the Shambles." Text: Culture, Health, & Medical Humanities in the UK; London-York-Edinburgh; Study Abroad Summer 2023 May 7-21; (above, left image) Vanita depicting symbols of morality with a skull, and insects eating decaying flesh to reflect the transcience of life. Welcome collection, London; (right, image) The Shambles in York; PDF Attachment for Details

THIS SUMMER, MAY 7-21: Join Drs. Schrift and Duncan for ANTH 4957/ANTH 4410: Culture, Health, and Medical Humanities in the UK. This 2-week anthropological tour of London, York, and Edinburgh focuses on the history of medicine and the human body--from anatomical education and surgical experiments to religious relics and literary phenomenon.

Previous

Culture & Health in the Azores Islands
Terceira, Portugal

This study abroad course was organized with the Atlantis project as a guided shadowing internship and seminar for pre-health/medical students at ETSU. Students shadowed doctors 25 hours per week at the Hospital de Santo Espirito de Angra do Heroismo. Students worked in small groups to wtiness the government-run European healthcare system and shadow doctors in different specialty areas. Additionally, students participated in a range of field trips and experiences outside of the hospital.

  • An idyllic island town in sunlight, a ship sails into the bay in the foreground, the verdant hills roll into the sky in the background.
  • A group of college students pose in front of the "Hospital de Santo Espirito da Ilha Terceira."
  • Three women pose together: one in a floral summer dress flanked by two in scrubs and lab coats.
  • A young woman (TC) poses in front of a sun dappled valley. The open ocean and sky can be seen in the background, between two lush hills.
  • A dolphin leaps out of crystalline water, silhouetted by island mountains nd rays of sunlight.
  • A student (Josh Bacon) stands with his back to the camera, staring out over the open ocean and island landscape.
  • Two students pose together in scrubs and hair nets.
  • A plate of assorted sweet treats.
  • A group of college students crouch for a photo, the rolling island landscape and sunlit clouds behind them.

This trip, followed by courses in medical anthropology, highlighted for me not only the challenges that exist within an isolated context, but also parallel issues within our own healthcare system.

Mary-Catherine Rush, Class of 2018

  • A rustic building covered in chipping white paint and homemade frescos/mosaics surrounded by tropical trees. The 8 smoke stacks have a single letter painted on them, spelling out, "VIVA CUBA."
  • An elderly Afro-Cubana woman stands in front of a table with flowers and a glass/bottle of rum. Her crutches lean against the table in front of her.
  • A colonial style building with balconies supported and framed by scroll-worked iron.
  • A red-headed white woman stands in the crystal clear surf, taking a photograph across frame.
  • A cuban man leans against a 1950s convertible, a sign reading "TAXI" is affixed tot he windshield.
  • An elderly Afro-Cubana woman in a hat sits smoking a cigar, with a basket full of photos and cigars next to her.
  • A bright pink bungalow surrounded by a gated yard, tropical trees beyond the gate in the background.
  • Four, blond women dancing on a patio.
  • Four, blond women dancing on a patio, stop and pose looking at the camera.
  • An Afro-Cubana woman sits atop a half-wall, her Afro-Caribbean dolls for sale next to her.
  • Afro-Cubano man in dashiki, beaded necklaces, and sunglasses smokes a cigar.
  • A straw hut sits in the middle of rolling farmland fields, surrounded by tropical trees and flowers.
  • Surreal mosaic sculptures glint in the sun.
  • A surreal/abstract mosaic sculpture of a woman in red, with a cubist face and a flower sprouting out of her head.
  • A group of white, female college students sit around a cafe, ready for breakfast.
  • A white female college student signs her a wall of graffiti signed by many before her.
  • A white, female college student takes a bite out of a roasted octopus, tentacles dangling out of her mouth and over her fingers.
  • A white woman wades in the ocean up to her chest, sailboats along the horizon behind her.
  • A Black man stands in front of a local street fresco of Afro/Indigenous Cuban religious/historic depictions.
  • A stone arch reading "Calle Jon de Hamel."
  • A woman (Dr. Schrift) stands beneath a stone archway, entrance to the "Calle Jon de Hamel."
  • A tile mosaic archway with a mosaic heart atop, reads "Elle Medico de Familia Miriam."
  • An Afro-Cubana woman in traditional regalia cradles the head of a blond, white college woman against her temple.
  • A woman (Dr. Schrift) stands on a balcony in Santeria, overlooking a rustic street.
  • Two adults, a woman and a man, lounge on lawn chairs watching someone off frame.
  • A distant shot of the city, almost completely obscured/enveloped by lush, tropical greenery and flowers.

Ritual Healing in Cuba
Havana, Cuba


 This study abroad course invited students to visit Havana, Cuba to study traditional modes of healing as well as alternative and spiritual-based approaches, such as Santeria, an Afro-Cuban based belief system. Students met several times with Community Project Espiral, a grassroots project dedicated to educating young people on sustainable development. Students had the opportunity to visit the museum of Afro-Cuban Culture in Regla, enjoy a Brujo tour with Elias Aseff, specialist on Afro-Cuban religion and visit with local herbal and spiritual healers.

As an aspiring optometrist at the time, I was especially interested that HHE would be offering reading glasses and artificial tears to patients.

Victoria Howard, Class of 2015

The Himalayan Health Exchange
Western Himalayas, India

The ETSU Anthropology program participated in the Himalayan Health Exchange (HHE) for many years with our final trip in 2015. During these years, we brought dozens of students to travel to the Indian Himalayas as part of a larger medical and anthropological expedition. The experience included socio-cultural and religious teachings of the Western Himalayas with daily yoga sessions. In addition, students assisted in public health clinics in rural areas with limited access to healthcare. Students also had opportunities to investigate local history, religious beliefs and practices, modern human adaptations, regional effects of globalization and monastic life and local healthcare.

  • Prayer flags stretch across the fram, in front of a temple roof. Snowy, Himalayan mountain peaks in the background.
  • Two white women, twins, in scrubs pose in a yard fenced by a stone wall, a mountain in the background.
  • A young white woman stands with her arms stretched wide, framed by two mountains.
  • Two Himalayan women in scarves listen to someone off frame.
  • An elderly Himalayan woman in a head scarf and glasses stares directly into the camera.
  • Six Tibetan children hold their linked hands high, wearing traditional regalia/dress.
  • A South Asian woman sits next to her sign, advertising block Henna tattoos.
  • Block henna stamps of various designs at the feet of a South Asian woman.
  • A young Himalayan child holds a rock while their parent looks out over the neighborhood beyond.
  • A white woman administers a pediatric exam on a Himalayan child, laid out on the floor.
  • Two young men sit side by side on a stone wall, mountain and blooming trees behind them.
  • Dr. Schrift and "K" pose in front of a cramped, sloping hillside city.
  • A young, male doctor crouches, checking the lungs of a Himalayan woman as her friend/relation looks on next to her. Several local children peer in through three large windows in the background.
  • A young white woman crouches over several Himalayan children walking in a line.
  • A wicker wide-seated armchair sits next to a blackboard covered in (Sanskrit?) writing.
  • A young Himalayan girl plays a hand-clapping game with a young white woman in scrubs.
  • A young white man looks at a photo with three locals, two women in headscarves and a man in a ballcap.
  • Dr. Schrift and two white, male students examine something off-frame in front of a traditional, Tibetan building.
  • Two white, male students sit opposite side of the frame, the city and mountains stretched out behind them.
  • A mixture of students and locals listen/observe a seasoned medical provider give advice.
  • A South Asian woman in a vibrant, orange sari walks down a street, busy with rickshaws and cars.
  • A man sits atop a painted elephant holding a stick.
  • A man walks in front of a painted elephant.
  • A group of students sit on a rooftop ledge, the mountains and town visible in the distance.
  • Two young local boys, monks in traditional robes and a young white, male student are seated on steps, leaning over a smartphone.
  • Two local girls in (head)scarves pose for a snapshot, staring directly into the camera.
  • An older local man in traditional garb looks at the camera, an infant on his back.
  • An elderly local woman in traditional hat, sweatshirt and aviators stares into the camera. A group of local children and an elderly man sit on the ground behind her, watching.
  • A number of buildings slope steeply up a mountainside.
  • A group of college students sits half in shade, half in sun outside/under a tent.
  • B&W photo of sheep herding alongside a car through a mountain gorge, road and stream running alongside each other.
  • B&W photo of a young, white male college student standing in the wind, snow capped mountains looming behind him.
  • A group of students engage in a rooftop yoga class, lush hills and buildings behind them.
  • A young, white male sits in scrubs, a stethoscope around his neck, taking notes.
  • A young local woman in traditional clothing and a headscarf sits on the stairs, bent at the waist and smiling over her shoulder at someone out of frame.
  • Dr. Schrift poses in front of a bustling, mountainside metropolis.



Upcoming Courses

background image: a stylized drawing of 8 indigenous women in brightly colored outfits of various prints. Three of them hold umbrellas, 5 hold feathered hand fans. Text: Medical Anthrpologgy; ANTH 1070; cultural competence in medicine; traditional healing & belief systems; culture & the body; diversity & global health; FALL 2023; TR 1:20-2:40; for more informationa bout culture and health at ETSU: https://www.etsu.edu/cas/sociology-anthropology/culture-health.php; *image: Lauren Good Day, Fourth World Finery.

ANTH 3070: Medical Anthropology is offered on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 1:20pm-2:40pm this Fall.

This course introduces the crosscultural, holistic, and evolutionary study of illness and health. Major topical areas include cultural competence in medicine, traditional healing & belief systems, culture & the body, and diversity & global health. 

 

SOCI 4957/5957: Religion, medicine, and Health is offered Tuesdays & Thursdays from 10:10AM-11:30PM this Fall.

In this Special Topics in Sociology course, we consider the relationship between religion, medicine, and health.

A series of 5 images, from top left going counterclockwise: (1) a stylized, tribal buck head takes up the lower half, while a dream catcher floats above it; (2) a picture of various plastic body parts (heart, leg, brain, head, etc) hand from a series of coat hooks mounted to the wall; (3) woman holds a sign, from behind it reads "I fear God not Covid"; (4) a b&w photo of a faith healing service in the Baptist tradition; (5) a hospital clergyman preforms a blessing over and elderly woman in a hospital bed. Text: Religion, Medicine, and Health; SOCI 4957/5957; TR: 10:10-11:30




 

Student Reflections

 

  • Samuel Wisecarver ETSU Class of 2018 Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Class of 2026 "In the Culture & Health minor everything is a conglomeration of knowledge that forms a better understanding of the world around me instead of a collection of partial knowledge. Dr. Schrift has been one of my greatest mentors. She was there at the very beginning of my journey at ETSU, and I knew I could count on her throughout my education."
  • Tiffani Carrasco ETSU Class of 2015 Quillen College of Medicine Class of 2026 "Through the Culture and Health minor, I was exposed to courses and topics that the hard sciences could never offer me. Beyond the courses, meeting Dr. Schrift opened the doors to a new family at the University. Dr. Schrift has become one of the most influential people in my academic career and my future medical career."
  • Mary-Catherine Rush ETSU Class of 2018 Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health MSPH Candidate, Int'l Health "My introduction to the degree and minor began with a summer study-abroad program coordinated by Dr. Schrift. I have come to understand how much we can learn from studying healthcare around the world. My work with Dr. Schrift provided me with the tools, experiences, and resources I needed to be a successful applicant."
  • Sophia Tunny (née Fledderman) ETSU Class of 2020 Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Med. Class of 2024 "Culture & Health helps you learn about your own implicit bias and how you can be a more well-rounded, culturally competent individual in the future. It helped me realize that being a physician is not just about making the right clinical diagnosis, but also about taking the time to speak with each of my patients about their lifestyle, beliefs, and desires for treatment."
  • Victoria Howard ETSU Class 2015 Optometrist & Co-Owner Family Eyecare Center, PPLC Elizabethton TN Southern College of Optometry "Sipping chai tea with monks, teetering on the edge of the Rohtang Pass, and being immersed in a culture that contrasted my East Tennessee life, religion, clothing, and traditions gave me a peek into just how big our world is with so many wonderful people and perspectives. This work affirmed my desire to be an optometrist to change lives by improving sight."
  • Taylor Wilson ETSU Class of 2019 Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas Class of 2024 Oncology Chair, VCOM Ambassador "One of our class activities was to 'free-write' on our favorite book. Dr. Schrift told me I had just written my personal statement for admission to medical school. Every person that I interviewed with for admission to medical school commented on my personal statement, and I am beyond thankful for the Pre-Health Seminar course and Dr. Schrift for helping me achieve my dream."
  • Hebah Al-Khateeb ETSU Class of 2021 University of Tennessee Medical Center Class of 2025 "As I was preparing my application for medical school, Dr. Schrift’s pre-health practicum course was the perfect learning environment for me to self-reflect, push my comfort levels, and engage in speaking about difficult issues. What distinguishes her from other teachers is, she teaches students to value their voice. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be her student."
  • Mandy Nutter ETSU Class of 2019 MA Candidate in Counseling Mental Health Concentration, ETSU Class of 2022 "In 2019, I took a Pre-Health Practicum with Dr. Schrift, connecting me to my first research experience at ETSU Family Medicine Clinic. She was always honest and supportive, allowing her students to explore their dreams as well as their concerns in an open and safe environment. She has helped so many students realize their goals and achieve their full potential!"
  • Rosie McVeigh ETSU Class of 2018 Sustainable Agriculture Program Director, ARCD Build It Up Backyard Gardening Program, Women Farmer Learning Circles, Women Preserving Farmland for the Future, and Beginning Farmer's Field School "The Culture and Health program helped me find my path in food access and sustainability. It inspired my deep dive into all things food systems and now I work at the Appalachian Resource & Conservation Development Council educating those around me about the importance of local food and agriculture."
  • Samuel Garcia-Olmos ETSU Class of 2022 ETSU Elevates & Roan Scholar Benjamin A Gilman Int'l Scholarship; Appalachian Highlands 20 Under 20 "These courses have allowed me to examine how culture molds health in different areas around the world. Each facet of culture impacts how we communicate, treat, and dismiss patients. My courses have prepared me to encounter a wide variety of people in the future and allow me to give them the proper care based on their cultural needs."
  • Deeba Mohseni ETSU Honors Student Class of 2022 "Dr. Schrift helped me realize I could write a compelling narrative, and that she was going to help me. The resume and interview preparations helped me feel confident applying for and going into job interviews, its impact on my undergraduate career was invaluable. The Culture and Health minor gave me life skills that I did not know I needed."
  • Kayla Davis ETSU Class of 2018 Research Specialist IV TX Dept. of State Health Applied Anthropology MA University of North Texas "Dr. Schrift helped shape me. I attribute a great deal of my undergraduate success to this wonderful mentor. I would not have been able to realize my dream of continuing my education in anthropology without her. I feel beyond lucky to have been mentored by such an intelligent, constructive, and supportive professor."
  • April Bledsoe ETSU Class of 2018 Maine Department of Environmental Protection Geology Technician MA Geosciences, ETSU '20 "Before taking the Culture & Health minor, I thought environmental justice was secondary to issues like healthcare. I now live in Maine, investigating soil and groundwater contamination. Though the minor led me away from a direct career in healthcare, I love that I have the privilege of doing work that helps ensure access to safe drinking water."
  • Hunter Wike ETSU Class of 2018 Quillen College of Medicine Class of 2023 "The Culture and Health classes have been pivotal to my growth as a human and future health care provider. I've learned about how medicine is practiced across the world and how different cultures view medicine. My perception of medicine changed. I also received extraordinarily helpful advice and guidance towards accomplishing my dream."
  • Blakeley Griffin ETSU Class of 2020 Quillen College of Medicine Class of 2026 "I was inspired by these courses and by Dr. Schrift to pursue looking into global health. I ended up getting to go on a trip to Bolivia with ETSU students, where I was able to experience many of the concepts taught in class. I hope to take with me the information I learned in the Culture and Health minor when treating future patients."
  • Ethan Galloway ETSU Class of 2022 West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, '26 CASA of NorthEast TN; Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children; TN Higher Ed. Commission; Student Commissioner "Dr. Schrift and I both agreed that cultural competency played a key role in a provider's ability to relate to and understand their patients. I will be a better provider because of the training I have received as a part of this minor because I have listened to and learned about many diverse populations, a first-hand look into the struggles they face."
  • Tess Willcoxon ETSU Class of 2019 Gatton School of Pharmacy Pharm.D Candidate Class of 2023 "The Culture and Health Minor gave me the opportunity to enhance practical skills, create a culturally aware outlook, & allowed me to go past my comfort zone, to think through ideas & situations, & made me a better person and future health care professional. I would recommend this program to all students, no matter what profession or career path they choose."
  • Afreen Siddiqui ETSU Class of 2021 Quillen College of Medicine Class of 2025 "The Culture & Health Minor allowed me to explore cross cultural differences & cultural competency in healthcare. The way Dr. Schrift intertwined medicine & healthcare was fascinating & eye-opening. I was instantly drawn to her enthusiasm, knowledge & unwavering support. She has been an amazing mentor, teacher, & friend!"
  • Michael D. Stallard ETSU Class of 2015 Ochsner Clinic Foundation, Orthopedic Surgery Quillen Class of 2019 "I first met Dr. Schrift as we prepared to embark on our journey to India via HHE. The cultural, medical, and social experiences still influence my practice to this day. The confidence I gained has pushed me to take on challenges I would have otherwise shied away from. Dr. Schrift and the rest of the team provide an unparalleled experience."
  • Shivam Patel ETSU Roan Scholar Class of 2022 "I was drawn to the Culture and Health minor for the intersectionality of medicine and culture. Didactic classes such as Medical Anthropology exposed me to a variety of health practices, helping me understand how cultures influence one's perception of their own health and the health of those around them."
  • Tatum Gross ETSU Class of 2022 Quillen College of Medicine Class of 2026 "I became involved in an ethnography project documenting the experience of the pandemic in our area. The minor allowed me to participate in courses related to the medical field that were not included in my major. These courses gave me unique insights, and I believe they will make me into a more open-minded, well-rounded physician."

Share