Elaine Lo

Modern day medical education often encompasses cultural competency, diversity, and social determinants of health. However, how much do pre-health undergraduate students actually value a competency in social sciences and humanities? In this thesis, I explore the importance of a social sciences or health humanities education (SSHH education) for pre-medical and pre-health undergraduate students. I utilize an in depth literature review drawing on many classic themes of SSHH courses, then I analyze a short survey of undergraduate students to determine their interest and opinion in an SSHH education. The 13- question survey was distributed online through email and social media to a sample of 50 respondents. Results of the survey show that participants reported interest in SSHH courses, believed a competency in SSHH was beneficial to a future as a healthcare professional, but self-reported low confidence in explaining themes and terms associated with SSHH courses. Responses suggest that an SSHH requirement within pre-health majors at the University of Minnesota would be beneficial to post-secondary application in medicine. Further research would be focused on in depth interviews with pre-health students to gauge for a more nuanced opinion on SSHH courses in relation to a future career in healthcare.