Medical teaching has traditionally relied heavily upon a biological model of illness, whereas this course places the definition of health and illness, promotion of health and the prevention and management of disease in a social context, with emphasis upon Chinese communities. The course aims to develop a critical approach to health and healthcare. It introduces to students competing explanations of sickness and well-being. It demonstrates how clinical and social aspects of health care are closely interrelated and how they influence the management and outcomes of disease and illness. It also equips students with conceptual tools that can be applied in a variety of clinical and health service contexts.