Medical sociology

As the name suggests, this branch of sociology is related to the medical field and involves the understanding of methods, actions, effects of medical practices on society at large. As sub-discipline of sociology it is taught as an academic subject at the graduate or post graduate level. It involves the study of social theories and methods, on-going work related to this area, and a clear understanding of social life and mental and physical health care of individuals in a society. The medical sociologists are keen to know about the experiences of the patients and therefore are linked with public health, social work, demography and gerontology. In this way ,there is an interaction of two fields clinical science and sociology. The initial studies on medical sociology was done by Lawrence Henderson who was inspired by the work of one of the founding fathers of medical sociology Vilifredo Perento .He applied social theories to the way sick people interacted among themselves and with others in a society. Other prominent sociologists who are related to this field are Howard Becker, Mike Bury, Peter Conrad, , Bernice Pescosolido, Carl May, and Thomas Szasz. A career in medical sociology is quite rewarding as medical sociologists gets an opportunity to directly work with the patients in different hospitals, social services industries or in nursing homes. It also has scope for independent medical research. Besides, as a medical social worker, one could be a counselor and consul patients related to chronic illness and diseases. Caring for the elders in the society, housing of patients, and transportation of the sick and long term health care are related duties connected to this area of work. Further, as a health psychologist, one could study about different mental illnesses that have social, biological and psychological bearings and provide necessary counseling from time to time.