UC Alumni Association launches new series exploring health inequities

“Over the past 30 years or so, there has been more evidence-based research showing that racial health disparities are due to racism. And even more recently, research has shown that health disparities don’t only effect poor African Americans, but they also cut across class lines,” shared Dr. Wells. “Black Americans are two times more likely to die of COVID-19, and even before the current crisis, data shows that black Americans face higher levels of heart disease, stroke, and maternal mortality.” Dr. Wells further explained that health equity means that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be healthier, which requires moving obstacles to health such as poverty and discrimination.

One approach to increasing awareness and move towards greater opportunities for equity is through cultural humility, an ongoing process of openness and self-reflection about our own biases. “Cultural humility requires us to look within and be open to others’ perspectives and experiences, allowing ourselves to be shaped by every encounter we have,” says Dr. Wells.

Dr. Barbara Tobias discussed research findings from a study supported by Interact for Health as part of a multifaceted initiative implemented by the Academic Health Center at the University of Cincinnati that addressed factors that drive health care workforce diversity. The initiative was part of the Urban Universities HEALTH program, sponsored by the Coalition of Urban Serving Universities and the Association of American Medical Colleges from 2013-17.

Key questions in the study asked why disparities exist and how do challenges in finding a trusted provider exacerbate those disparities for underrepresented minority patients. Their research found that patient care improves when patients and physicians share a common background or language, and racial and ethnic diversity among health professionals has been shown to improve access and quality to better meet the health needs of an increasingly diverse population.

As the Greater Cincinnati community continues to experience health inequities and a lack of trust, Dr. Tobias suggests, “Our academic health center is uniquely positioned to help train the next generation of healthcare providers. In order to set an example for our region around equitable care and to begin to earn trust as a provider, we need to approach the sacred space of healing with cultural humility and intention.”