Although there has been improvement in health outcomes as a result of better prevention, screening and disease treatment, progress is not the same for some racial, ethnic and socio-economic groups. UHealth – University of Miami Health System and the Miller School of Medicine aim to reduce these health disparities through interventions demonstrated by research to be effective in improving health outcomes for all. Our field research has already resulted in new programming, initiatives and policies that are bridging a gap in primary and specialty health care of patients subject to disparity, but much more needs to be done.
The UM Miller School of Medicine sees an opportunity to advance the science of health disparity. Our multicultural context and geographic location give our health system an unparalleled advantage for examining the etiology of disparity and generating interdisciplinary solutions to address it. In addition, with the creation of the Senior Associate Dean for Health Disparity position, the Miller School’s leadership has recognized an opportunity to further formalize our institutional commitment to health equity.
By creating this position – the first of its kind at the Miller School – UM not only acknowledged the significance of health disparities, but also positioned our health system to tackle an issue that is growing regionally and nationally due to increased multi-culturalism throughout the United States. In addition, our involvement in programming such as the Florida Health Equity Research Institute, which seeks to understand health disparities while increasing the development of health innovations, funding and representation of medically underserved populations, is another important step to mitigate health disparities.
For the past 10 years my colleagues and I have been working in the field, and for the past two years we have led the efforts of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami to develop interdisciplinary research and outreach initiatives addressing cancer disparity. In collaboration with community partners, we have developed innovative interventions to increase breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings among the medically underserved. This work has been recognized for transcending cultural and structural barriers to disease prevention, demonstrating that community-driven approaches to health care delivery can affect social change.
If you had told me 10 years ago that we would be making such strides against health disparity, I wouldn’t have believed you. Still, the need is real and it is great. More health systems, particularly in South Florida, need to recognize that health disparities continue to be a fundamental issue in health care. As a region we must formulate more effective strategies to bridge disparities so lives can be changed.
