Una Maclean

Una Maclean

Name	Una Maclean
Birth name
Birth date	1925
Birth place	Scotland
Death date	2019
Death place	Scotland
Alma mater
Occupation	Medical Anthropologist
Years active
Organization
Known for	Contributions to medical anthropology and healthcare systems
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Una Maclean (1925–2019) was a pioneering Scottish medical anthropologist known for her influential work in the field of medical anthropology and her contributions to understanding healthcare systems. Her research provided valuable insights into the cultural and social dimensions of health and illness, particularly in the context of primary healthcare and general practice.

Early Life and Education

Una Maclean was born in 1925 in Scotland. She pursued her higher education at the University of Edinburgh, where she developed a keen interest in anthropology and its applications to medicine. Her academic journey was marked by a commitment to understanding the human aspects of healthcare, which led her to specialize in medical anthropology.

Career and Contributions

Maclean's career was distinguished by her interdisciplinary approach, combining anthropology with medical practice. She worked closely with general practitioners and healthcare providers to explore how cultural beliefs and social structures influence health behaviors and healthcare delivery.

Research in Medical Anthropology

Una Maclean's research focused on the interaction between patients and healthcare providers, emphasizing the importance of cultural competence in medical practice. Her work highlighted how cultural perceptions of illness and health-seeking behaviors affect patient outcomes. She advocated for a more holistic approach to healthcare that considers the patient's cultural background and social context.

Impact on Healthcare Systems

Maclean's insights were instrumental in shaping policies and practices in primary healthcare. She emphasized the need for healthcare systems to be adaptable and responsive to the diverse needs of patients. Her work contributed to the development of more patient-centered care models and informed the training of healthcare professionals in cultural sensitivity.

Legacy

Una Maclean's legacy in medical anthropology is marked by her dedication to improving healthcare through a deeper understanding of cultural and social factors. Her contributions continue to influence the field, inspiring new generations of researchers and practitioners to consider the broader context of health and illness.

Also see

• Medical anthropology
• Cultural competence in healthcare
• Primary healthcare
• General practice

References

• [1] "Una Maclean: A Pioneer in Medical Anthropology." Journal of Medical Anthropology, 2020.
• [2] "Cultural Competence in Healthcare: Lessons from Una Maclean." Healthcare Review, 2019.