The Anthropology Student

A “crise de foie” (liver ache) is a common French myth about what can happen the morning after eating rich, French food (think: crayfish tails in tarragon butter, galantine of rabbit with foie gras, oxtail in red wine, and apple tartelettes). Physicians and journalists have debunked the common complaints associated with a “crise de foie” as symptomatic of liver disease. They attribute the symptoms – stomach ache, nausea, bloat, dyspepsia, and right-sided abdominal pain – with indigestion and overindulgence that leads to a food and drink hangover.

Why then is there still such stalwart conviction among the French that a “crise de foie” is a real “liver ache?” In studying French culture in my Evolutionary Psychology class, I learned that the French look at a “crise de foie” as punishment for their epicureanism and great food. No matter how resilient the liver is, and it is, they look at their liver health much like a geiger counter, detecting and measuring the damage to their hepatic function, or much like the way a veteran might view their own “war wounds.”

Medical Anthropology studies humans’ perceptions and beliefs related to wellness and illness, often embracing their cultural mythos in the process. For instance, traditionally the Hmong people believe illness is caused by a departed, ancestral spirit. Many sub-Sarahan Africans believe Hemophilia is caused by a curse or witchcraft. In the United States, significant heartburn during pregnancy, many believe, means a woman will give birth to a girl with a full head of hair. These premises are neither scientifically valid nor amount to anything more than “old wives tales” - to everyone but the person who believes them.  My Anthropology major has prepared me effectively to study and communicate with ethnically diverse populations, setting an interdisciplinary foundation for studying humans and cultures.

My Biology major has prepared me to embrace science, whether classes, research, or clinical experience. Studying science preps me  for the demands of medical school and more. Human Biology provides a foundation of physiology and anatomy as a primer for the human body. When paired with Anthropology’s foundation in the human spirit and beliefs, the “human model” as the subject of my studies is much more complete.

I first became aware of the valuable services that physicians provide when I observed my father, a head and neck surgeon, working in his office. I gained practical experience assisting him and his staff perform procedures in his outpatient center. This exposure increased my admiration for the technological and artistic aspects of restorative surgery.

My father helped people after severe accidents, and those suffering from debilitating ailments. My work as a certified physical trainer, also  focuses on “recuperative” effects, the recuperative effects of exercise. Sharon, my 43-year-old client, suffered from lupus. After training with me, she reported a 200% increase in her strength tests. This meant she could once again perform simple tasks like carrying groceries into her house. Unfortunately, this improvement was followed by a deterioration in her condition. On one occasion, she broke down and cried about her declining health and growing fears. It was then that I learned no physical prowess or application of kinesiology would alleviate her pain. I helped reduce her anxiety by listening, by having a comforting conversation, by “standing with her” during this vulnerable moment. If we cannot cure others we can still heal them, and in this instance, my role was to help her find herself no longer alone in her suffering.

Medical research is another way for me to help others. For one year, I assisted a research team in the Emergency Room at University Medical Center (UMC). This experience brought me in direct contact with patients in clinics and provided me with the opportunity to  participate behind the scenes in hospital operations. Specifically, we analyzed the therapeutic effects of two new drugs – Drug A and Drug B – in patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke. The purpose of this trial was to determine the efficacy and safety of these agents in improving functional outcome in patients who had sustained an acute cerebral infarction. My duties centered around the role of patient-physician liaison, determining patients’ eligibility, monitoring their conditions, and conducting patient histories. I saw firsthand how patients benefitted from the therapeutic effects of one drug more so than the other.

Now, I continue my research experience at the VA Non-Human Primate Center. During the past year, I have conducted independent research in endocrinology and biological aspects of anthropology. For this project, I examine the correlation between captive vervet monkeys’ adrenal and androgen levels with age, gender, and various behavioral measures across different “stressed” environments. I found a positive correlation between stress, traits, and blood levels of endocrine hormones. I enjoy research, the discipline and responsibility it requires, and I  foresee incorporating cross disciplinary research in my career.

I know medicine will allow me to pursue an art and science that is tremendously gratifying, contributing to the welfare of others.  My experience with exercise therapy and nutrition has taught me the invaluable role of prevention to facilitate health and wellbeing. Medical school will bring empirical and technical knowledge to my education, while I enjoy the patients’ stories about the mythologies to which they subscribe, with respect and intrigue for the particulars of their culture, and find a mutually satisfactory path forward to help them feel better, cure, heal, or just be valued and seen.