As part of its effort to educate well-rounded physicians who can address the needs of Florida's diverse populations, the FSU College of Medicine places great emphasis on psychosocial aspects of medicine, in addition to the biological basis of health and disease. The mission of the Department of Behavioral Science and Social Medicine is to provide the necessary behavioral, psychosocial and ethical expertise to ensure that medical students can realize their full potential as health providers. Department faculty also conduct cutting-edge health and behavior research for the advancement of medicine and health care.