Commentary by Jessica Weisz, MD
Published June 2023

Social determinants of health (SDoH) recognize that there is more to individual health than individual behaviors and genetics.  In fact, understanding the ecosystem of where a patient lives, plays, and goes to school is critical for helping patients and families succeed in their growth and development.  Take the time to understand how resiliency and trauma also play a role in a patient’s ecosystem (although these topics will not be directly covered in this module). 

Keywords: poverty; bullying; immigration status; domestic violence; mental health; resiliency; racism; assistance programs; food insecurity