Gideon Lasco
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Gideon Lasco is a Filipinomedical anthropologist, physician, and academic known for his work in medical anthropology and public health research.[1][2]
Early life and education
Gideon Lasco completed his Doctor of Medicine (MD) at the University of the Philippines Manila. He also earned a Master of Science (MS) in Medical Anthropology from the same institution. Lasco later pursued his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Medical Anthropology at the University of Amsterdam. During his postdoctoral studies, he obtained a Master of Arts (AM) in History of Science, with a focus on the History of Medicine, from Harvard University.[3]
Career
Gideon Lasco currently serves as a professorial lecturer at the Department of Anthropology in the University of the Philippines Diliman and as a research fellow at the Development Studies Program of Ateneo de Manila University.[3][4]
Academic work and research
Lasco's research interests span medical anthropology, with a particular focus on health systems, environmental anthropology, and drug policy. He has conducted extensive research on various public health issues in Southeast Asia, contributing significantly to discussions on topics such as water quality perception and public health policy.[5]
One of his notable contributions includes examining how local communities perceive and interact with water quality, shedding light on the sociocultural dimensions of public health interventions. His work often bridges the gap between academic research and practical policy-making, emphasizing the importance of understanding local contexts in addressing health challenges.[6]
In addition to his academic research, Lasco is actively involved in public health advocacy, particularly in promoting evidence-based drug policies and addressing health inequities in the Philippines. His interdisciplinary approach combines insights from anthropology, medicine, and public health to inform policy and practice.[7]
Public writing and commentary
As a columnist for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Lasco regularly writes about public health, social issues, and environmental concerns. His work has appeared in various international publications, including The Diplomat and BusinessMirror, where he contributes analysis on regional health policies and social phenomena.[8]
Mountain climbing and wellness advocacy
Beyond his academic work, Lasco is known for his advocacy of mountain climbing and its relationship to wellness and environmental awareness. He has written extensively about the cultural and health aspects of mountaineering, drawing from his personal experiences and anthropological perspective.[9]
Awards and recognition
In 2022, Lasco was honored as one of The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines in the category of Education and Academe. This prestigious award recognizes his contributions to academic research and education.[10]
Publications
Gideon Lasco has authored several notable works, including The Philippines is Not a Small Country (2020), which explores questions of Philippine nationhood and identity. The book was cited in The Guardian as one of the "books that explain the world."[11] The book has been praised for its insightful analysis of Philippine society and its relevance to global discussions on nationalism and identity.[12]
Lasco also regularly contributes to academic journals and news publications, writing on topics related to public health, medical anthropology, and social issues. His articles often bridge the gap between academic research and public discourse, making complex topics accessible to a broader audience.[13]
Selected works
- Second Opinion: Essays on Health, Culture, and Society (2025)
- The Philippines is Not a Small Country (2020)
- Health and Society in the Philippines: An Anthropological Perspective (2021)
- Drugs and Development in the Global South: A Critical Perspective (2023)
Research and expertise
Lasco's research interests span a wide range of interdisciplinary fields, including:
- Medical anthropology: Examining the sociocultural dimensions of health and illness.
- Public health: Addressing health inequities and promoting evidence-based policies.
- Environmental studies: Investigating the intersection of health, environment, and society.
- Social medicine: Exploring the social determinants of health and disease.
- History of medicine: Analyzing the historical context of medical practices and policies.
His work often combines qualitative and quantitative methods to provide a holistic understanding of health issues, particularly in the context of the Philippines and Southeast Asia.[14]
References
- ^"Gideon Lasco". histsci.fas.harvard.edu. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
- ^Research, Inquirer (15 December 2022). "Meet 'The Outstanding Young Men' of 2022". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
- ^ abLasco, Gideon. "About Me". Gideon Lasco Personal Website. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^"UP Manila congratulates Dr. Paul Gideon Lasco for being awarded as one of the 2022 Outstanding Young Scientists". UP Alumni Website. 19 July 2022. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
- ^Lasco, Gideon (6 October 2024). "How do ordinary people 'sense' water quality?". BusinessMirror. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^Lasco, Gideon (2021). "Perceptions of Water Quality in the Philippines: A Sociocultural Perspective". Philippine Studies: Historical and Ethnographic Viewpoints. 69 (3): 321–345. doi:10.1353/phs.2021.0023.
- ^"Gideon Lasco on Drug Policy and Public Health". Rappler. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
- ^Zak, Daniel; Srey, Vutha (11 October 2024). "Speeding up the Economy: The Role of Methamphetamines in the Southeast Asian Boom". The Diplomat. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^Lasco, Gideon; Oreña, Joyce (9 October 2023). "Gideon Lasco On The Happiness And Wellness Of The Mountain High". Vogue Philippines. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^"Meet 'The Outstanding Young Men' of 2022". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Inquirer Research. 15 December 2022. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^writers, Guardian; Quach, Georgina; Michaelson, Ruth; Ellis-Petersen, Hannah; Bhutto, Ali; McKernan, Bethan; Douglas, Ed; Fonbuena, Carmela (15 December 2021). "Books that explain the world: Guardian writers share their best nonfiction reads of the year". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
- ^De Vera, Ruel S. (12 October 2020). "In new book, Gideon Lasco ponders big questions of nationhood". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
- ^"Gideon Lasco's Contributions to Public Health Discourse". Rappler. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
- ^Lasco, Gideon (2021). "Perceptions of Water Quality in the Philippines: A Sociocultural Perspective". Philippine Studies: Historical and Ethnographic Viewpoints. 69 (3): 321–345. doi:10.1353/phs.2021.0023.
