Episode Summary: In this transformative episode of Secrets of Survival, Dr. Susan Rashid unpacks the intersection of clinical care and the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) through the lens of the CMS Accountable Health Communities Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) Screening Tool. Amid the pressures of time-limited visits and documentation burdens, this episode argues for a paradigm shift—one where asking the right questions becomes a form of clinical justice. Segment by segment, Dr. Rashid walks listeners through the five core domains—housing instability, food insecurity, transportation barriers, utility needs, and interpersonal safety—and introduces supplemental domains including financial strain, employment, community support, education, physical activity, substance use, mental health, and disability. With clarity and compassion, she demonstrates how these structured questions serve as clinical windows into hidden vulnerabilities—revealing the context behind medication non-adherence, chronic illness exacerbation, and missed appointments. The episode emphasizes that screening is not merely data collection—it is clinical witnessing. The ability to ask, listen, and respond with actionable referrals is presented not as a luxury, but as a clinical imperative. Citing national guidelines and landmark evidence from CMS, the National Academies, and leading scholars, Dr. Rashid reframes SDOH as the modern foundation of primary care. From medical education to healthcare system design, listeners are called to envision a future where healing is not confined to prescriptions, but extended through structurally aware care, community partnerships, and institutional accountability. This episode is both a masterclass in clinical application and a compelling call to action for medical educators, health system leaders, and frontline clinicians. 📩 Thoughts or reflections? We welcome your insights, questions, and feedback. Email us: rashidmediaproductions@gmail.com 🎧 Subscribe to Secrets of Survival (S.O.S.) for future episodes exploring the intersections of medicine, society, and the diverse forces that shape our health.

🎙️ Podcast Title: Secrets of Survival (S.O.S.) 🎧 Episode Title: The Blueprint of Wellbeing: Public Health and the Social Determinants of Health – Part I 🩺 Written and Narrated by: Dr. Susan Rashid 📍 Runtime: Approx. 31 minutes 🎓 Tone: Scholarly | Informed | Direct | Authoritative Episode Summary: What determines health—genes or geography, biology or infrastructure? In this powerful and data-driven opening to The Blueprint of Wellbeing, Dr. Susan Rashid unpacks the foundational framework of public health and the social determinants of health (SDOH)—those upstream, non-medical forces that shape how long and how well we live. Drawing from decades of public health research and field data, this episode moves beyond clinical models to examine how income, housing, education, transportation, and community conditions create measurable health outcomes. From under-resourced neighborhoods in New York City to isolated rural counties in Appalachia and long-neglected Indigenous communities across the United States, Dr. Rashid explores the systemic roots of health disparities with clarity, compassion, and scholarly precision. Listeners will gain an in-depth understanding of the five key domains of the SDOH, learn how inequity is patterned across geography and generations, and be invited to rethink what medicine can truly achieve when it moves beyond the exam room. This is Part I of a two-part series. Part II will focus on the clinical implications of SDOH—highlighting validated screening tools, best practices in patient-centered care, and what must change in healthcare systems and medical education to close the gap between knowledge and action. Topics Covered: The definition and purpose of public health The five domains of the social determinants of health Case studies: Urban inequality in NYC, rural isolation in Appalachia, structural neglect in Indigenous communities Intergenerational impact of systemic disparities The importance of reframing health through a structural and environmental lens Quotable Insight: "Where you live tells us more about how long you’ll live than any genetic test ever could." — Dr. Susan Rashid Listen now to begin reshaping how we define, teach, and deliver health in the 21st century. 📩 Thoughts or reflections? We welcome your insights, questions, and feedback. Email us: rashidmediaproductions@gmail.com 🎧 Subscribe to Secrets of Survival (S.O.S.) for future episodes exploring the intersections of medicine, society, and the unseen forces that shape our health.

In this episode of Secrets of Survival (S.O.S.), Dr. Susan Rashid takes listeners on a scholarly exploration of the diverse healthcare delivery systems that sustain populations worldwide. From the equitable access of the Beveridge Model to the efficiency of the Bismarck Model, from the universal reach of the National Health Insurance Model to the stark realities of out-of-pocket systems, this episode examines the intricate frameworks that define global healthcare. Through thoughtful analysis, Dr. Rashid highlights the strengths and challenges of each model, drawing insights from renowned studies and real-world applications. The episode also delves into the emerging trends shaping the future of healthcare, including telemedicine and universal health coverage initiatives. Concluding with a reflective call to action, the episode underscores the shared responsibility of advancing global health through collaboration, innovation, and equity. This is a must-listen for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and anyone intrigued by the systems that safeguard humanity’s survival. Join us on Secrets of Survival to uncover the profound connections between healthcare delivery, societal values, and the future of global well-being.

In this episode of Secrets of Survival (S.O.S.), Dr. Susan Rashid takes listeners on a scholarly exploration of the diverse healthcare delivery systems that sustain populations worldwide. From the equitable access of the Beveridge Model to the efficiency of the Bismarck Model, from the universal reach of the National Health Insurance Model to the stark realities of out-of-pocket systems, this episode examines the intricate frameworks that define global healthcare. Through thoughtful analysis, Dr. Rashid highlights the strengths and challenges of each model, drawing insights from renowned studies and real-world applications. The episode also delves into the emerging trends shaping the future of healthcare, including telemedicine and universal health coverage initiatives. Concluding with a reflective call to action, the episode underscores the shared responsibility of advancing global health through collaboration, innovation, and equity. This is a must-listen for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and anyone intrigued by the systems that safeguard humanity’s survival. Join us on Secrets of Survival to uncover the profound connections between healthcare delivery, societal values, and the future of global well-being.