Medical sociology refers to the analysis of the social and cultural factors that shape healthcare and medical systems. There are various synonyms for this field of study, including sociology of health and illness, medical anthropology, and health systems research. Sociology of health and illness examines how social structures, systems, and relationships influence health and illness. Medical anthropology explores the relationship between culture and medicine, examining the ways that cross-cultural beliefs, attitudes, and practices impact health outcomes. Health systems research investigates the organization, delivery, and financing of healthcare services, examining policy and management solutions to improve public health. These terms all intersect in their approach to understanding the social determinants of health and are integral to the study of medical sociology.