In a 2010 NPR Science Friday segment, Dr. Esteban Burchard discussed the complex interplay between race, genetics, and medicine. He emphasized that while race is a social construct, it can correlate with genetic factors influencing disease risk and treatment response. Burchard advocated for using genetic ancestry to inform medical decisions, acknowledging the challenges of relying solely on racial categories. The conversation highlighted the need for nuanced approaches in healthcare that consider both genetic and social determinants of health.
Listen here: NPR — Is There A Biological Basis For Race?