UT San Antonio
Long School of Medicine

Non-Medical Drivers of Health Training


Our non-medical drivers of health training, developed in collaboration with University Hospital, South Texas Veteran Affairs Hospital, community partners, and field experts, is uniquely tailored for incoming residents and fellows-in-training, with a focus on our beautiful multi-cultural San Antonio community. Our training equips learners with the necessary tools and perspectives to drive positive change, promoting healthier and more equitable healthcare delivery while effectively addressing non-medical drivers of health.

Understanding Non-Medical Drivers of Health

Non-medical drivers of health, are the non-medical factors that profoundly impact health outcomes. However, “determinants” implies a fixed fate, limiting our ability to shape our health outcomes. By recognizing non-medical factors as drivers of health, we shift the narrative from one of fate to one of empowerment. We affirm that health is predetermined, but rather dynamic and influenced by the actions and choices of individuals and communities. Together, we have the power to overcome barriers, effect change, and cultivate a healthier future for all. 

Examples of Non-Medical Drivers of Health

Non-medical drivers of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age. These factors are influenced by a myriad of interconnected systems and structures that significantly impact an individual’s daily life. These systems include economic policies and systems, development agendas, social norms, social policies, and political systems.

 

Siva Palasingam, M.D.

Siva Palasingam, M.D.

"Recognizing that "non-compliant"  may actually mean they can't afford it; "refusing treatment" may mean they can't leave their kid alone at home as a single parent... We are not treating illnesses, we are healing humans. Understanding these non-medical drivers of a patient's life allows us to see them as a whole human asking for help and not just a list of symptoms."

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Averi E. White, MD

Averi E. White, MD

“Non-Medical Drivers of Health are the heart of humanity. They are the aspects that make the person sitting before you a human, not another medical record number or another admission or another consult or the patient who is always late or the one who never takes their prescriptions. A human, just like me and you.”