Systems Thinking in Medicine

Location

PANEL: Climate Change Communication and Systems Thinking
CELA A019
Moderator: Cindy Frantz

Document Type

Presentation - Open Access

Start Date

5-1-2026 10:00 AM

End Date

5-1-2026 11:00 AM

Abstract

Systems thinking emphasizes relationships, feedback loops, and interdependence within complex systems, and is increasingly important for addressing systemic challenges. In contrast, reductionist thinking analyzes phenomena by isolating component parts; both approaches remain valuable. Medicine offers a unique context to examine systems thinking. Physician training is highly standardized and traditionally reductionist, yet clinical practice requires attention to broader biological, social, and institutional contexts. Physicians may pursue generalist or specialist paths, potentially influencing how they engage with complex systems. In this study, physicians completed an online survey assessing systems thinking, civic engagement, and burnout. Preliminary results indicate that generalists score higher in systems thinking than specialists, with the difference most pronounced among female generalists. These findings support the validity of current systems thinking measures and suggest meaningful differences in how generalists and specialists approach complexity. Ongoing data collection aims to expand the sample and further examine these relationships.

Keywords:

Medicine, Physician, Systems-thinking

Notes

Presenter: Carly Hsu

Major

Biochemistry; Psychology

Project Mentor(s)

Cindy Frantz, Psychology and Environmental Studies
John Petersen, Environmental Studies and Biology

2026

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS
 
May 1st, 10:00 AM May 1st, 11:00 AM

Systems Thinking in Medicine

PANEL: Climate Change Communication and Systems Thinking
CELA A019
Moderator: Cindy Frantz

Systems thinking emphasizes relationships, feedback loops, and interdependence within complex systems, and is increasingly important for addressing systemic challenges. In contrast, reductionist thinking analyzes phenomena by isolating component parts; both approaches remain valuable. Medicine offers a unique context to examine systems thinking. Physician training is highly standardized and traditionally reductionist, yet clinical practice requires attention to broader biological, social, and institutional contexts. Physicians may pursue generalist or specialist paths, potentially influencing how they engage with complex systems. In this study, physicians completed an online survey assessing systems thinking, civic engagement, and burnout. Preliminary results indicate that generalists score higher in systems thinking than specialists, with the difference most pronounced among female generalists. These findings support the validity of current systems thinking measures and suggest meaningful differences in how generalists and specialists approach complexity. Ongoing data collection aims to expand the sample and further examine these relationships.