Health Equity

What keep me busy these past two weeks besides my new job. I was very fortunate to attend three conferences/seminars. It was such a blessing being at these events and getting to meet people in their areas of expertise come to share with us their findings in those areas that needs public discourse. By all means if you have the opportunity try to stay active in your specific area of discipline or interest and I can assure you, you will learn more than you think you knew. There is always something new out there that you are always falling behind and through these events you will stay updated and invigorated my friends. 

One of the the seminars I attended was in title "Health Equity" in Westchester. And just as the topic entitles, this seminar was organised to throw lights unto the ugly reality of people who are often marginalized economically and often treated poorly when they seek medical attention. Sometimes they are not treated at all with what they need and other times with little to no dignity. The end result often being, they don't seek help and by the time they do it's too late and they don't make it. So how can we as a society and healthcare providers include and not marginalize these people at the bottom of our social ladder into our care system?. We did role plays and brainstorm solutions into way we can address these issues. It was heart breaking to see the number of family that struggles on daily basis just to make ends means.

The second was on providing care for individuals with cerebral palsy and their family. As you may or may not know, cerebral palsy is a permanent congenital disorder that affect motor function and cause other neurological disorders. It has no cure but can often be managed with physical therapy among others when diagnosed early. So the goal of this seminar was to emphasized and educate the  patient and their families ways to identify this condition at its early stages and where resources are in the community for these families. It is very difficult for families who have a child or family member with this disorder. 

The third conference was at New York University Kimmel Center. This was an almost all day seminar where we heard series of doctors gave presentation on violence and health care disparities in NY. Bottom line is we need a healthcare system with good providers that will be more inclusive of the people who are less fortunate in our inner cities. The commissioner of NYC health department was there among other healthcare officials and other non profit individuals. At the end of the day it was clear that we really need more people to be advocates and I commission you after reading this piece to be on your guard to advocating for people who gets treated poorly by our health care system. 

So that is how I have been spending my extra time off work. And I will also be attending yet another exciting conference coming up in July at the Harvard Medical School in Boston. I will write about that too when I am back. So stay tune.

Have a great weekend. Please feel free to leave me comments and questions below if you have any.

Yours Pal,

Ronnie