166: Medical Humanities: Pandemics, Food Shaming & Social Science – Dr. Kari Nixon

“Medical humanities can be defined as an interdisciplinary, and increasingly international endeavor that draws on the creative and intellectual strengths of diverse disciplines, including literature, art, creative writing, drama, film, music, philosophy, ethical decision making, anthropology, and history, in pursuit of medical educational goals.[2] The humanistic sciences are relevant when multiple people’s perspectives on issues are compiled together to answer questions or even create questions. The arts can provide additional perspective to the sciences.” (Wikipedia – accessed 12-2-20)

Tune in to this episode to learn about:

• health is a malleable concept
• food has been tied to social status throughout history
• food insecurity and obesity are connected
• systemic deprivation influences food “choices”
• medical humanities can help inform and frame science and research
• public health recommendations and shaming
• silver linings in pandemics

Today’s guest is Dr. Kari Nixon, an assistant professor at Whitworth University and author of Quarantine Life: From Cholera to Covid-19, What Pandemics Teach Us About Parenting, Work, Life and Communities from the 1700s to Today. Dr. Nixon’s research focuses on social understandings of death, disease, and community.

Full shownotes and resources: www.SoundBitesRD.com/166