Postgraduate Certificate in Behavioral Economics for Health Equity Analysis
Published on June 25, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm thrilled to be speaking with Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in behavioral economics and health equity. She's here to tell us about an exciting new course she's involved in, the Postgraduate Certificate in Behavioral Economics for Health Equity Analysis. Welcome, Jane! GUEST: Thanks for having me, I'm looking forward to sharing some insights about this innovative program. HOST: Fantastic! To start, could you briefly describe what behavioral economics is and how it relates to health equity? GUEST: Of course. Behavioral economics studies how cognitive biases and decision-making processes affect people's choices, often leading to suboptimal outcomes. When applied to health equity, it helps us understand why certain populations face disparities in health outcomes and develop targeted interventions. HOST: That sounds fascinating. Can you share an example of how cognitive biases can impact health outcomes? GUEST: Absolutely. One common example is the "present bias," which refers to our tendency to prioritize immediate rewards over long-term benefits. This bias can lead individuals to neglect preventive health measures, such as regular exercise or screenings, in favor of more immediate gratification. HOST: That's eye-opening. Now, who would most benefit from enrolling in this Postgraduate Certificate course? GUEST: It's designed for public health professionals, policymakers, and researchers who are interested in gaining expertise in health economics and behavioral science, as well as applying theoretical frameworks to real-world health challenges. HOST: What are some of the challenges students might face when learning about behavioral economics for health equity? GUEST: One challenge is integrating the principles of behavioral economics with health equity concepts, which can be quite complex. However, our course provides practical examples and case studies to help students grasp these concepts more easily. HOST: That's great to hear. Lastly, where do you see the future of behavioral economics in health equity? How can this field make a difference in reducing health disparities? GUEST: I believe behavioral economics will play a crucial role in addressing health disparities by helping us design more effective interventions tailored to specific populations. As we continue to explore and understand the intricacies of human decision-making, we can create innovative solutions to improve health outcomes and reduce inequities. HOST: Dr. Jane Smith, thank you so much for joining us today and sharing your insights on the Postgraduate Certificate in Behavioral Economics for Health Equity Analysis. It's been a pleasure learning from you! GUEST: Thank you for having me. It's been a pleasure discussing this important topic with you.
