The comparison of viewpointss of the physicians and specialists in social and behavioral sciences about the need for education of social science to students of medicine

Background & Objective: In recent years, regarding to the effective and undeniable role of, social and behavioral factors in the disease, health and mortality, many medical colleges in developed and developing countries hold social and behavioral sciences in training program of medical students. In addition, a physician is at the direct interaction with the patients with different social, cultural and economic conditions; so, some medical colleges aim to enhance and improve the interaction between the physician and patients and it is related to social and behavioral sciences. Social and behavioral sciences include a wide spectrum of sciences such as sociology, psychology, medical anthropology, medical ethics, economy, health policy and urban planning. This study aimed to determine physicianss and social scientistss attitudes about the need for social science education in medical schools. Methods: The information was collected via distributing a questionnaire among 126 persons. The questions were in three filds of the effects of sociocultural structure on establishment and continuation of the disease, the role of cultural differences on the physician and patient relationship, and the process and structure of the treatment and the social roles inside it. Results: In terms of both physicians and social science specialists, social science education for students of medicine was necessary. Both groups agreed on key areas and priority. There was no significant difference between the two points of views. Conclusion: The results of this research could be contributed to the revision of the curriculum of medical education. Key Words: Medical education, Social sciences, Behavioral sciences, Sociology, Psycholog