Reducing Health Disparities in the U.S.

Course description

The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the nation's attention to health equity and the social determinants of health. These themes are particularly critical for professionals who provide care to patients every day. What can healthcare professionals do to safely and equitably care for patients who are members of vulnerable and underserved populations? In this session, we will review the data, the drivers, and the possible solutions to addressing the pervasive disparities in our healthcare system.

Learning objectives

At the conclusion of this educational activity, participants will be able to:

  • Describe how health equity can impact a physician or clinician’s clinical care
  • Summarize the link between social determinants of health and health equity
  • Identify the health system’s role in advancing racial and health equity

Target audience

Physician and clinician policyholders

Disclosure

There are no relevant financial relationships with ACCME-defined commercial interests for anyone who was in control of the content of this activity.

CME information

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the Illinois State Medical Society and ISMIE Mutual Insurance Company. The Illinois State Medical Society is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Illinois State Medical Society designates this internet activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The Illinois Nurse Practice Act rules deem CME credit provided by approved sponsors as acceptable to fulfill nursing continuing education requirements for licensure. Nurses may claim one contact hour per unit of CME in the state of Illinois.

Additional information

Estimated time for completion: 
1 hour
Disclaimer: 

The recommendations contained in this resource are not intended to define conduct that is appropriate in every case, should not be considered as establishing any standard of care, and do not constitute legal advice. Physicians, clinicians and healthcare providers should take care to ensure that all care rendered reflects the best clinical judgment and complies with the laws and regulations of the state or location at which the care was provided.

Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

    This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the Illinois State Medical Society and ISMIE Mutual Insurance Company. The Illinois State Medical Society is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

    The Illinois State Medical Society designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • 1.00 Discount Credit
  • 1.00 Participation Credit
Course opens: 
11/05/2021
Course expires: 
12/31/2023
Rating: 
0

Utibe R. Essien, MD, MPHUtibe R. Essien, MD, MPH

Assistant Professor of Medicine and a health equity researcher at the University of Pittsburgh

Utibe R. Essien, MD, MPH, is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, a general internist and health disparities researcher in the VA Pittsburgh Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion. Dr. Essien received his MD degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and trained in internal medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School. After residency he remained at MGH to complete a general internal medicine fellowship, concurrently receiving a Master of Public Health degree at the Harvard School of Public Health.

Dr. Essien’s research focuses on racial and ethnic disparities in the use of novel therapeutics in the management of chronic diseases including atrial fibrillation and was recently awarded a 5-year, $1 million Career Development Award from the Department of Veterans Affairs. He has applied his health equity research framework to the COVID-19 pandemic, rapidly becoming an expert in examining the disparities that disproportionately affect minority communities with COVID-19. His work has been featured in leading medical journals including JAMA and the NEJM, and he has been interviewed by several national news outlets including the New York Times, Washington Post, and NPR.

Dr. Essien is a fierce advocate for diversity and equity in medicine, speaking nationally on the topic and co-directing an “Antiracism in Medicine” series for the Clinical Problem Solvers medical education podcast. Dr. Essien's leadership in advancing health equity led him to be named a 2019 National Minority Quality Forum 40 under 40 Leaders in Minority Health awardee, a 2020 “30 Leaders under 40 Transforming Healthcare” by Business Insider, and a Rising Star Alumni Award from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 2021.

Available Credit

  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

    This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the Illinois State Medical Society and ISMIE Mutual Insurance Company. The Illinois State Medical Society is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

    The Illinois State Medical Society designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • 1.00 Discount Credit
  • 1.00 Participation Credit
Please login to access.