Speaker: Dr. Sophie Nathenson, Medical sociologist and Continued presenter
Dr. Sophie Nathenson: As a medical sociologist, I study the ways in which the society that we live in and the culture that we're a part of affect our health.
Dr. Sophie Nathenson: My work is driven first and foremost by the core value that everyone deserves the chance, the opportunity, and the resources to live a life where they have well-being. And this includes meeting basic needs such as food, shelter, water, a sense of belonging, human connection, and I really see opportunities everywhere to make an impact in these areas. And oftentimes it involves being able to stay connected and make referrals to different types of organizations that serve different aspects of well-being. And I also have a very strong sense of purpose around supporting the well-being of the folks that really work on the front lines of health issues, because that work can be very fulfilling, but can also be very, very emotionally exhausting.
Dr. Sophie Nathenson: Health really happens outside in communities, in households, and there's such a strong influence of the culture and the socialization that we're exposed to. And so there's so much opportunity to improve the quality of life of individuals and communities if we put into practice that knowledge on those types of factors.
Dr. Sophie Nathenson: Something that sets Continued apart is the wide variety of content available, but also their not only openness but enthusiasm in bringing more perspectives to the table. Having content in the field of medical sociology, on the social determinants of health, on how racism in society affects the well-being of the people who live in that society. On the relationship between communities and addiction. All of those types of topics where there are non-clinical angles integrated, those are things that you will not find everywhere and I think provide a really well-rounded set of educational opportunities to choose from.
Dr. Sophie Nathenson: It becomes really important for continuing education opportunities to be available. online on these different topics, because it can not only give someone more perspectives to bring to the table to potentially do their work better, but it can also be very professionally fulfilling to really connect with that big picture and see things from a broader viewpoint. And thus be able to kind of connect the dots and even get more meaning personally from the work that they do.
