Chad Smith

Title of Program: Medical Anthropology

E-mail Address: csmit360@vols.utk.edu

Hometown: Bristol, TN   

Year: Junior                      

Anticipated Graduation Date: Spring 2020

Description of Program: This program aims to pursue specialized coursework that centers on understanding the sociocultural components of medicine, including societal perceptions surrounding infectious diseases and social stratification in access to healthcare. In understanding these facets of medicine, more effective and culturally-competent interventionary medical practices may be informed and developed in efforts of producing better, comprehensively-considered treatment outcomes.

Departmental Emphases: Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology, Pre-Medicine, Public Health

Faculty Mentor: Dr. De Ann Pendry, Anthropology

Plans after graduation (career, graduate/professional school, etc.): I plan to apply for national scholarships and fellowships to continue my studies internationally. I plan to pursue a joint degree program uniting a MD and a PhD in medical anthropology to continue analyzing the sociocultural components of and influences on medicine.

Other Academic Interests: Italian, Epidemiology, Religious Studies, Women & Gender Studies, Africana Studies

Research Experiences or Internships: Throughout the 2017-2018 academic school year, I was able to work with a Knoxville area holisitc care clinic in data entry and will continue my position in order to explore sociocultural factors influencing treatment adherence. Summer 2018, I will have the opportunity to travel to Milan, Italy to complete a three-week Atlantis Fellowship, where I will shadow physicians in an international setting and make cultural comparisons with the American healthcare system.

Study Abroad: I plan to study abroad in Summer 2018 in Edinburgh, Scotland as a member of the Haslam Scholars Program in efforts of studying the Scottish Enlightenment, as well as the ethical implications of researching the sociocultural nature of medicine.

Part-time employment; Hobbies; Campus Clubs/Activities: Haslam Scholars Program, Student Government Association (First Year Council, Student Senate, External Affairs Director), Campus Events Board, Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Health Honors Society, Pursuit Undergraduate Review Board, Orientation Leader 2017