Medical sociology is a subfield of sociology that focuses on the social factors influencing health, illness, and healthcare systems. Researchers in this area study how social structures, relationships, and inequalities impact individuals' experiences with health and illness, as well as how healthcare systems are organized and operate. Topics of interest include healthcare access, disparities in health outcomes among different populations, the role of social determinants of health, patient-provider relationships, and the social construction of illness. Medical sociologists also examine the influence of cultural beliefs, values, and institutions on health and healthcare practices. Overall, medical sociology seeks to understand and address the social dimensions of health and healthcare in order to improve population health and healthcare delivery.