Combining Anthropology and Medicine

Deciding on the medical degree was easy, Puneet says, but it was deciding on the field within humanities that was the challenge. She wanted a career that would enable her to practice medicine, to teach, and to do research. She contemplated mixing a medical degree with philosophy, ethics, history, and even literature, but none seemed to be the right fit for her.

After earning a bachelor’s degree, she took a year-long medical research fellowship. During that time, she learned about American Indian tribes working to gain more control of medical/genetic research and healthcare processes in their communities. Examining cultural views about medical/genetic research intrigued her and she knew that combining a degree in anthropology with one in medicine was what she wanted to pursue.

“I knew the right mix for me was anthropology and medicine,” she says. “There are many cultural issues that come up as members of diverse ethnic groups engage with Western medicine and medical/genetics research. Anthropology helps health care providers and medical research scientists to be more sensitive to diverse cultural perspectives and to begin to understand the belief systems of different ethnic groups.”

While looking for a program of study that would match her interests, she met faculty member Bradley Stoner. Professor Stoner is part of the medical school’s Department of Internal Medicine and also is a faculty member of the Department of Anthropology.

“He actively practiced medicine, taught courses, and also did research on cultural and social factors related to health – things I want to do,” explains Puneet.

With Professor Stoner and others in Anthropology and Arts & Sciences, Puneet was able to create a meaningful program of study combining the areas that held the greatest interest for her.

“I had talked with several schools, but here they truly took an interest in me and what I wanted to do,” she says. “Anthropology and Arts & Sciences really made it come together.”

Now that she has completed her first two years of medical school classes, Puneet is working on her dissertation, which focuses on the ethics and politics of medical research, particularly genetics research, in an American Indian community.

Puneet’s research examines tribal leaders’ and members’ views about medical/genetics research, focusing on the tribe creating policies to regulate research and respond to medical/genetics research to protect members and secure health benefits for the tribe.

“Research on the genetic basis of disease is a contentious issue for American Indians,” she explains. “It’s difficult to generalize tribal perspectives about genetics research because they’re so varied. Many tribal leaders are concerned that genetics data may be used to challenge traditional tribal creation stories and undermine tribes’ claims to being ‘native’ to America. Some have placed strict moratoria on genetic research and will not approve any genetics research protocols.

“Yet, many tribal leaders also view medical/genetics research as a potential source of cures for diseases that disproportionately affect American Indians, such as diabetes and heart disease,” she continues. “Tribes’ concerns about genetics research have prompted them to seek greater control over research agendas and healthcare on their lands.”

When asked what her future plans may hold, Puneet mentions that she would like to shape healthcare policy and make a difference for real people. Looks like she’s already doing that.