healthcare equity

Quality of care and public health are interlinked in many ways, most importantly in terms of how efficiency, effectiveness, efficacy, equity and person centredness have a central role in both. Health care is a significant aspect of public health and improving the quality of care has a profound impact on population health. Policy makers can adopt quality improvement methods for public health, whereas quality of care can expand outside the facility walls. 

On the fourth episode of The Fourth Dimension, we discuss with Dr Válter Fonseca, on how quality of care and public health are complementary with many common characteristics.

Find out more:

https://www.who.int/europe/activities/improving-quality-of-primary-health-care-for-children-and-adolescents

https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/03-01-2024-enhancing-health-systems-capacities-in-the-who-european-region

https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/events/item/2023/10/23/default-calendar/first-who-autumn-school-on-quality-of-care-and-patient-safety

When the trials of life hit hard, where do we find the resilience to push through?

Denise Ejoh joins me in a profound exploration of this question, sharing her journey of living with cancer interwoven with her passion for education. As a CEO, educationist, and teacher, Denise's life is a beacon of hope and determination that illuminates the path for others facing similar battles. Her story is not only about survival; it's about transformation and the relentless pursuit of empowering young minds, even amidst personal health struggles.

Embarking on this episode, we traverse the tumultuous landscape of cancer diagnosis and treatment, guided by Denise's firsthand experiences. Her narrative paints a vivid picture of the challenges within healthcare systems and the resilience required to confront life-altering realities. Denise's emphasis on mental health's role in healing highlights the need for a holistic approach to care, blending faith, neuroscience, and emotional intelligence. Her insights on the societal repercussions of a cancer diagnosis—stigma, isolation, financial strains—are eye-opening, prompting a critical examination of how we, as a community, can offer tangible support to those in need.

Listen as we delve into the world of cancer support resources and the financial hurdles that patients and families face. Denise's foundation emerges as a pillar of advocacy, striving to make comprehensive care accessible and dismantle the barriers that impede cancer treatment. The conversation calls for greater awareness, advocacy, and a redefined narrative around cancer, emphasising the importance of emotional expression, vulnerability, and seeking help. This episode celebrates Denise's remarkable journey and affirms that the human spirit's capacity for teaching and thriving can indeed intersect in impactful ways.

Connect With Denise Ejoh:
Website: https://www.cormode cancer foundation.org
Insta: @Dejoh25
YouTube: Cormode Cancer Foundation
LinkedIn: Cormode Cancer Foundation
Twitter: dejoh1

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Academy: https://www.themindsightacademy.com/
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Stay curious and empowered!

As the pandemic made a doctor visit as easy as a Zoom call and computer vision proved able to distinguish a benign blemish from something more worrisome, guest Eleni Linos, MD, DrPH, grew fascinated with the many ways digital technologies will impact all of medicine, not just her specialty, dermatology. She now believes the future of digital health is the future of health, period. But much work remains to ensure those benefits extend to every sector of society. Linos previews the future of digital health for host and fellow physician Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Contact Links:

Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website

Connect with Russ >>> Threads or Twitter/X

Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces Professor Eleni Linos and they discuss a future where digital health encompasses all aspects of healthcare and how we have moved towards that. 

(02:10) Defining Digital Health

The challenge of defining digital health and envisioning a future where it integrates seamlessly into healthcare without differentiation.

(03:33) Dermatology and Digital Health

Eleni explains her interest in digital tools for dermatology, how they have been applied in dermatology and why they are useful.

(06:41) Challenges in Examining Diverse Skin Types

Addressing challenges in dermatological exams for patients with diverse skin tones and backgrounds.

(09:05) Impact on Patients and Health Disparities

Assessing patient reactions & benefits to remote interactions and studying health disparities concerning age, ethnicity, and technology literacy.

(10:56) LLMs, Digital Health, & Bias

How large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT are used in digital health, and their biases, and the need for and how Dr. Linos is working to reduce these.

(15:24) Empathy and AI 

Dr. Linos tells a personal story about empathy demonstrated by Chat GPT, and reflects on the potential of AI to enhance patient interactions and care.

(18:47) Social Media in Public Health

Insights into leveraging social media for public health campaigns, the strategies used to influence behavioral changes in specific demographics, and how it was employed during COVID

(24:33) Challenges in Digital Medicine Education

Exploring the challenges & opportunities in preparing future clinicians for a digital medicine-infused future. 

(28:20) Stanford Center for Digital Health

The vision and purpose of the Center for Digital Health at Stanford, emphasizing the collaboration between academia, tech companies, and a global perspective to tackle future health challenges.

Connect With Us:

Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website

Connect with Russ >>> Threads or Twitter/X

Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X

Welcome to another insightful episode of "The Healthy Project: My City, My Health edition". Today, our host Krisha Keeran, a senior at the University of Iowa with a passion for psychology and healthcare equity, dives deep with DeAndreya Searight. DeAndreya, a certified health education specialist and community engagement executive, shares her extensive experience in serving communities across the U.S. and her commitment to tackling health disparities.

Show Notes:

• 00:00.578: Introduction by Krisha Keeran
• 00:24.466: DeAndreya Searight's background, education, and journey in health education.
• 01:03.67: The significance of the My City My Health Conference to DeAndreya.
• 02:20.342: A candid discussion on racism, health disparities, and cultural competency in DeAndreya's line of work.
• 03:24.758: The importance of providing culturally responsive care and avoiding assumptions.
• 05:40.194: The role of health literacy in patient empowerment and care.
• 07:07.194: How community members and organizations can play a part in reducing healthcare disparities.
• 09:28.982: The power of collaboration and the strength found in numbers.
• 09:55.21: DeAndreya's main takeaway message: The importance of being involved and active.
• 11:09.73: An invitation to the My City My Health Conference and final remarks.

To learn more about My City My Health and secure your tickets for this year's My City My Health Conference happening on November 17th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Des Moines, Iowa, visit www.mycity.health. Don't miss out on this enlightening event that champions health equity and cultural competency!

We are deeply humbled by our international fan base that spans over 61 countries! 

To our loyal listeners in: Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Columbia, Cuba, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Ghana, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Mongolia, Nepal, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Venezuela, and Vietnam: an emotional and heartfelt thank you, from us to you. 

In a world where physicians are often perceived to enjoy substantial financial rewards, a deeper exploration reveals an intricate web of complexities surrounding their earnings. Our latest episode features an enlightening conversation with host Catryn Becker and guest Ethan Nkana, founder of Rocky Mountain Physician Agency (RMPA). Join us as Ethan uncovers the untold stories behind the numbers, inviting listeners to question whether doctors truly receive the compensation they deserve.

Through an engaging dialogue with Ethan, we unravel the myths and misconceptions surrounding physicians' earnings. From the absence of negotiation training in medical education to the burden of student debt, Ethan sheds light on the unique hurdles doctors encounter when seeking fair compensation. As we peel back the layers of the medical profession, we also discover the gender and race pay disparities that further complicate the landscape. Drawing from real-world experiences and a personal commitment to advocate for change, Ethan reveals the inspiring journey of building RMPA, a platform dedicated to ensuring that physicians are paid what they truly deserve. Join us for a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between medicine and business, as we challenge preconceived notions and seek a more equitable future for those who dedicate their lives to healing.

About Ethan Nkana

Ethan A. Nkana, a seasoned healthcare executive, is the visionary behind Rocky Mountain Physician Agency (RMPA). Drawing from a rich background that began as a Human Resources intern after earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration & Public Relations, Ethan's journey evolved over a decade into leadership roles in hospital finance, physician contracting, compensation, operations, and healthcare strategy. Bolstered by a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Dayton, Ethan's profound understanding of the healthcare landscape led him to address the striking gaps physicians encounter during negotiations. Witnessing the disparity of access to salary data, negotiation expertise, and time, Ethan founded RMPA with a deep-rooted commitment driven by his mother's experience as an anesthesiologist. Emulating sports agencies, RMPA serves as the champion for physicians, utilizing industry-leading salary data to ensure equitable compensation across specialties and career stages.

—

Contact Catryn Becker: 

• Work with Catryn
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• Facebook
• QP
• YouTube
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• Email

Contact Ethan Nkana: 

• Rocky Mountain Physician Agency
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Email Ethan

In this day and age where education and learning mean sitting in front of your computer screen and listening to your professor discuss can be very detrimental in the long run because of the lack of practical learning. This is exceptionally unacceptable in the field of medicine, where interactive learning should always be the aim of every educator.

This is where Virtual Reality Training comes into play., In a sense, this can be the next step in the path of education we are striving for. Although not the same as experiencing the training or operation yourself, virtual reality can give us a sense of what to expect in various scenarios in the operating room.

Platforms of learning like these can also be used to bring about equity in terms of education and healthcare. This means everyone can have access to these materials, bringing down barriers and boundaries so that everyone can enjoy the same privileges.    

Memorable Quotes:

• “There are great lessons to be learned in reviewing past performances of your own and the other people around you.” – Paul Roberts 
• “We found that clinical immersion, meaning being able to just be a fly on the wall and stand in medical procedure really is helpful for students to learn, especially biomedical engineers and medical students, what is going on, what to expect and how can we innovate and help the people, the physicians that we're going to be working for or working with” – Christine King
• The mission of obtaining health equity is so important. It means everyone has access, not just the privileged, not just the ones with big bank accounts, but the inner cities, the communities, the minority, or the general population everyone has access to quality health, to quality education. – Dr. Trinh
• They should be able to see what doctors do. And a lot of times that will help demystify what’s going on. – Arabian Prince

About the Guests:

Christine King is an assistant professor of Teaching in the Biomedical Department at the University of California, Irvine, and a NIH R - 25 Grantee. She also specializes in women's health medical devices and engineering education for medicine and entrepreneurism.

Kim Renard Nazel a.k.a Arabian Prince/Professor X is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and DJ. He is best known as a founding member of N.W.A. As a consultant, Arabian has advised many companies on bridging the gap between technology and the youth, while bringing new product innovations to market.

About the Host:

Dung Trinh, MD is the Chief Medical Officer of Irvine Clinical Research, a medical missionary with TongueOut Medical Missions, and holds leadership positions with multiple health care organizations in Orange County. He is a keynote speaker, best-selling author, and Host of “Health Talks with Dr. Trinh” which can be heard weekly on OC Talk Radio. 

Connect with Dr. Trinh:

• HealthTalks OC Website
• Tongue Out
• Facebook Page
• Facebook (Personal Account)
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

A Team Dklutr Production

Takeaways

• Our new book, Joe Public 2030: Five Potent Predictions Reshaping How Consumers Engage Healthcare, is now available for pre-order.
• Joe Public 2030 is Chris Bevolo’s 7th book. His writing journey started when an industry publisher came to him to write a book on brand for health systems.
• To write the book, Chris assembled a team of Revivers – Team 2030 – to collect as much research as possible. The team identified trends across literature, which evolved into Joe Public 2030’s five predictions.
• These findings were supplemented by in-depth interviews with healthcare industry leaders across verticals, including health system CEOs, venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, researchers, and physicians. Interviewed thought leaders come from some of the top brands in healthcare, such as CVS, Geisinger, Intermountain Healthcare, Optum, Johns Hopkins University Medical Center, and Mayo Clinic.

Prediction #1: Copernican Consumer

• Enabled by sensors, AI, and other technology, consumers are becoming the center of their own health universe.
• Potential results could include a dramatic reduction in the need for primary care clinicians, an entirely new sector devoted to personal health management, and true precision medicine combined with health management.
• The Copernican Consumer prediction is more than just patient-centric care. Instead, the Copernican Consumer is a prediction that places consumers as the central force in their own health, with physicians, health management tools, and other health-related services “orbiting” around them. Consumers will rarely go anywhere to receive health support or care – it all will come to them.
• Another difference from today is the frequency of consumer health engagement. Consumers will be able to continually monitor their health using aggregate health data. Instead of seeing a primary care doctor once per year, consumers will be able to access all the data they need and will be empowered to make care decisions.
• More sensors are being developed to enable this trend but are not yet in a place where they are sophisticated enough to support a Copernican Consumer.

Prediction #2: Constricted Consumerism

• Consumers will become increasingly responsible for their own health and use of healthcare services. Yet, they will actually become less and less empowered in the choices they have for care, especially in higher-acuity, higher-cost situations.
• While many in the industry will continue to sing the praises of choice, the reality is that most consumers will have far fewer choices moving forward, often in ways they might never consider or see.
• The biggest spender of healthcare money in the United States is the federal government. Employers are the second biggest healthcare spenders as they support employee health plans. For this reason, the federal government and employers are the consumers with the most power to determine how and when consumers receive care.
• For example, PBMs don’t always work in favor of the consumer. Instead, they work to control costs for the payor. Similarly, 72% of ACA health plans are considered “narrow networks.”
• Health insurance companies are the driving force behind these restricted networks and benefit from them. For example, UnitedHealth just reported a 12% increase in revenue for 2021.
• This prediction, in some ways, conflicts with the Copernican Consumer prediction, which places consumers in control of their health.
• The tension between predictions comes from consumers’ current inability to interpret and take action on their health data. How do we ensure that experts guide consumers in understanding their health information?
• This new advisory role may allow industry players to monetize this service, which would significantly impact the market landscape.

Prediction #3: Funnel Wars

• Non-healthcare organizations such as Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Amazon, and Apple are entering healthcare through low-acuity services like primary care and urgent care.
• Health systems may not currently perceive these organizations as a competitive threat because low-acuity services are less profitable.
• These new entrants pose a competitive threat because they control referrals to higher acuity services – which health systems need to survive.
• Moving forward, we could see the splitting of the health system model, with some systems moving even further to the larger, more comprehensive “health” organizations, others retracting into solely acute-care destinations – the “giant ICU on a hill” – and others somewhere in the middle.
• How does the aging population fit into this? What will health systems’ role be in the future?

Prediction #4: Rise of Health Sects

• Challenges to and skepticism of the mainstream medical field have exploded in the past two years because of the pandemic and political tribalism in the United States. Taken to its potential, this trend could result in multiple “health sects” that coalesce around people’s political affiliations and worldviews.
• These sects will not only follow the medical thinking that best fits their worldview, but may also create their own reality through alternative research, diagnosis, treatment approaches, and models for care delivery.
• Health systems, built to serve entire communities, will find it increasingly difficult to deliver care due to splintering care ideologies. Health systems have a duty to provide science-backed medical care yet face resistance from those who don’t believe in mainstream medical practices.
• A significant factor in The Rise of Health Sects is the loss of trust of health experts. Some medical schools train students to build a thought leadership presence online to combat this loss of trust in the healthcare system and disseminate mainstream medical thought.

Prediction #5: Disparity Dystopia

• The pandemic shone an ugly light on the disparities that have plagued the U.S. healthcare system for decades, and unfortunately, that health gap is more likely than not to expand.
• This shift will be compounded by the mental health crisis, which disproportionately affects systemically disadvantaged populations and groups outside traditional healthcare access channels.
• While those entities that might address these disparities increasingly struggle financially, others lack the incentives to focus on the growing issue.
• The CommonWealth released a report that found that healthcare is better for white people in nearly every state. At the same time, we see a growing list of trendy startups looking to disrupt primary care, with many companies focusing on healthy, relatively well-off patients.
• Looking at the availability of PPE, ventilators, COVID-19 tests throughout the pandemic, you can see that populations with higher incomes are favored in resource distribution.
• According to Rand Corporation, the bottom fifth of low-income households are spending nearly 34% of their income on healthcare.

In this episode of Primary First, host Dr. Jeff Bullard continues his conversation with Catalyst Health Network CEO Dr. Christopher Crow, touching on what independent practices can do to prepare for the next big shift in care delivery -- and what might happen if they don't. 

Whether you're a current Catalyst Health Network member, interested in joining Catalyst or a patient with questions, visit our website for more details on how Catalyst is working to improve practice results and patient outcomes through the power of Advanced Primary Care. 

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