Medical Report: How social and economic determinants shape medical research

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The New England Journal of Medicine, founded in 1812, is recognized worldwide as a major medical journal and has produced many major studies that ultimately shaped how medicine is practiced.

An editorial published in April stresses that there is a clear recognition that social determinants of health as well as genetic backgrounds influence our studies and the treatments that ultimately impact all of us. In other words, studies need to reflect both men and women and people of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds, with a focus on lifestyle and economic challenges.

The editorial also stressed that researchers chosen for published articles reflect these same changes. Ultimately, this should help lead to more individualized health advice.

Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough .

​​KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.