What is Health and Medical Geography?

Health and medical geography is the investigation of disease, health care, and other health related phenomena utilizing geographic theories and methodologies. Medical geographers are interested in how spatial information can be used to analyze health disparities in different populations and environments, and at varying scales.

About the Health and Medical Geography Research Group @ UNT

Dr. Joseph Oppong and Dr. Chetan Tiwari created the Health and Medical Geography Research Group to provide a forum for peer-mentoring and development of research agendas. Undergraduate and graduate students from a variety of disciplines work together to critique research proposals, presentations, publications, etc. as well as collaborate on larger, high impact projects, such as investigating neighborhood characteristics and HIV/AIDS diffusion in Texas.

Video: 'Using Maps as Public Health Decision Support Tools'

Objectives

• Provide weekly forum for discussion and critique of current research and proposals.
• Foster cooperation between students and faculty on projects utilizing different methodologies for addressing central themes of health and medical geography. (See Research section for examples of current work.)
• Develop research writing and presentation skill sets of undergraduate and graduate students, including training in research design, analytical and visualization techniques, proposal and paper writing, and public speaking.
• Create atmosphere of teamwork, supporting members in research and providing access to a network of academic expertise across departments and campuses within the UNT system.

How do I Participate in this Group?

Our group includes graduate and undergraduate geography students interested in the spatial analysis and spatial dynamics of disease outcomes. Other members are drawn from a variety of other departments on campus including environmental science, computer science, political science, and sociology. If you want to participate in our weekly meetings contact us here. You may also join our low frequency mailing list by clicking here.

Courses of Interest @ UNT

GEOG 4120/5140 - Medical Geography
GEOG 4580/5960 - GIS in Health
GEOG 4900/5900 - Computational Epidemiology
UNT Health Science Center - Course Catalog