Justin Clapp

Justin Clapp is an Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology & Critical Care at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, and Associated Faculty in the Anthropology Graduate Group. He holds a Ph.D. (2012) and M.P.H. (2017) from the University of Pennsylvania. His research focuses on medical anthropology, bioethics, and the interplay between language, decision-making, and healthcare practices. Key areas include surgical communication, pain management, genetic testing ethics, and the social dimensions of end-of-life care. His work bridges clinical practice and anthropological theory, emphasizing how language shapes medical expertise and patient experiences. He teaches courses like 'Medicine and the Language of Pain' and contributes to interdisciplinary initiatives in critical care and medical education.

Recent research explores clinician perceptions of risk calculators, telehealth for opioid treatment, and ethical challenges in implementation science. His studies often use qualitative methods to uncover gaps in communication and decision-making processes, advocating for more transparent and patient-centered approaches. Clapp’s affiliations include the Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care and the Anthropology Graduate Group, reflecting his dual focus on clinical medicine and social science.