Health Frontiers

Research Opportunities in Medicine, Health, and Culture

Over the years, the Anthropology program at New College of Florida has developed a strong focus on health-related research by collaborating with community health partners and creating numerous health research opportunities for students in and beyond Sarasota.

Dr. Yidong Gong, who also co-directs the interdisciplinary Health, Culture, and Societies program, has cultivated an extensive network of health research partnerships. These include the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County, Sarasota County Mosquito Management Services, Empath Health and Tidewell Hospice, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Human Rights Watch, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center, Sarasota Center for Acupuncture and Nutrition, the Multicultural Health Institute, Lemur Conservation Foundation, Sarasota Contemporary Dance, and many more.

Since 2021, Dr. Gong has organized numerous collaborative activities and engagements with community health partners. Students have had opportunities to interact with leading experts in medical and related fields. These conversations and collaborations are invaluable for students’ intellectual growth and provide immersive, real-world experiences. Many students have also gained internship opportunities with these organizations.

The program’s current research focuses on five areas: (1) humanitarianism and global health, (2) mental health and youth, (3) community health, (4) One Health, and (5) the future of medicine.