Presenting the Health Disparities Planning Process (continued...)

Questions & Answers (continued..)
Participants shared that one of the best ways to measure success will be in terms of identifying actions that are replicated in the communities. The Network will provide the vehicle to keep track and share these efforts and resources so that programs do not have to be reinvented. It was mentioned that some physicians are not aware the State has a diabetes program and a number of resources that can be utilized in their local efforts. Again, the Network, in partnership with the California Diabetes Prevention & Control Program, can provide the access point to share resources, programs and key partners to improve prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. It was also stated that focusing on diabetes can open a Pandora's box because other diseases affect diabetes and are affected by it. The Expert Panel may wish to look at these [i.e. Chronic Kidney Disease], particularly when addressing the disease management aspects of type 2 diabetes.

It was also shared that racial and ethnic health disparities can come from a lack of education and understanding among white medical students about health disparities.

The question was raised as to whether the Expert Panel had discussed a role for the Network to be a resource in the training of medical students in addressing health disparities. Those present felt that white medical students and physicians need to learn about the ethnic patients they care for. Dr. Adubofour shared with the group that this is true and the Network can be a strong resource, and that this applies to all physicians in California. As an African American physician in Stockton, he now cares for a large number of South East Asian patients. He also needs to learn more about their culture and how it influences their health beliefs and practices. The Network can therefore be a fantastic resource to increase cultural sensitivity among all health care practitioners.

The final question asked how this convening and the results it generates will be used by the Expert Panel as it completes the Health Disparities Framework and Diabetes Action Plan.

First, the results of the convening, including the results from each of the breakout sessions, will be shared with all participants. We will also share this report with a number of individuals who wanted to attend the convening, but their schedules did not permit their being with us. This report will also be placed on the Network's website - www.ethnicphysicians.org along with the PowerPoint presentation shown today. In this way, we make the results and materials transparent and utilize the website as a portal for materials and resources on health disparities.

The Expert Panel will take the results from today's convening and incorporate these into the final Health Disparities Framework and diabetes action plan. This report will be presented in mid October to all ethnic physician leaders at the Network's next annual summit. We will also share the results of this convening with the leadership of the California Medical Association and other organizations working on racial and ethnic health disparities.