What Is Health Systems Science?

Health systems science is the third pillar of medical science, along with the basic and clinical sciences. It involves understanding how care is delivered, how health care professionals work together to deliver that care and how the health system can improve patient care and health care delivery. It is critical for the successful functioning of a health system. Physicians need to know the domains of health systems science, understand how it intersects with the basic and clinical sciences and explore how it can maximize health for patients and society.