Spotlight: Hamaad Khan on Social Prescribing

Brand New Dr.

Hamaad's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Starting with a Bachelor's in Neuroscience, his path took a transformative turn when he volunteered with early-stage dementia patients. Here, he realised the traditional biomedical approach often falls short of addressing patients' holistic needs. This experience sparked his passion for social prescribing—a healthcare approach focusing on what truly matters to patients beyond their medical symptoms.

In this episode of Brand New Dr., Hamaad shares how he is at the forefront of an exciting movement reimagining healthcare by addressing the symptoms and the root social and economic factors that impact patient health.

We explore the essence of social prescribing, exploring how it goes far beyond linking patients to community resources. Hamaad explains how this approach shifts the focus from "What’s the matter with you?" to "What matters to you?"—a powerful reorientation emphasising the patient’s voice and needs in their care journey. He also tackles the paradox of modern medicine, where despite advancements in treatment, healthcare systems are struggling to keep pace with rising demand, and adverse drug reactions are contributing to an alarming rate of hospitalisations.

Hamaad debunks common myths about social prescribing, stressing that it’s not about prescribing cycling or other one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, it's about understanding and addressing the complex socio-political factors that affect health. He passionately argues for the need to empower patients today while acknowledging the systemic issues that must be addressed for long-term change.

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Brand New Dr. is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.