Opinion

Extinguishing inequities in health care

■ A message to all physicians from AMA President Ronald M. Davis, MD.

By Ronald M. Davis, MD — was a preventive medicine physician living in East Lansing, Mich. He served as AMA president during 2007-08. Dr. Davis died on Nov. 6, 2008. Posted Jan. 21, 2008.

AMA Leader Commentary

A few words about current events in medical practice

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When patients fail to receive high-quality care because of their race or ethnicity, the entire nation suffers. Fortunately, we in medicine are working hard to heal part of this disease of social injustice.

In summary, we're proud of last year's results in our efforts to end the curse of health care disparities related to race and ethnicity. But in 2008, we look forward to doing even more.

We're also proud that leaders in the House of Medicine are serious about improving conditions for patients and doctors alike -- and that means every patient and every doctor.

All of us have heard that famous advice from the Gospel: "Physician, heal thyself." Collectively, we need to heal medicine to eliminate disparities in care wherever they exist -- in hospitals, clinics and doctors' offices throughout the country.

Do it for a healthier and better America for everyone, and for a healthier and better world.

Ronald M. Davis, MD was a preventive medicine physician living in East Lansing, Mich. He served as AMA president during 2007-08. Dr. Davis died on Nov. 6, 2008.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Selected racial and ethnic disparities in health care

The preponderance of studies find that even after adjustment for many potential confounding factors, racial and ethnic disparities in cardiovascular care remain.
Several studies demonstrate significant racial differences in the receipt of appropriate cancer treatments and analgesics.
Several studies are consistent in finding that African-American patients (and in some instances, other ethnic minority patients) are less likely to be judged as appropriate for transplantation, are less likely to appear on transplantation waiting lis ts, and are less likely to undergo transplantation procedures, even after patients' insurance status and other factors are considered.
African-Americans with HIV infection are less likely to receive antiretroviral therapy, less likely to receive prophylaxis for pneumocystic pneumonia, and less likely to receive protease inhibitors than are non-minorities with HIV. These disparities remain even after adjusting for age, gender, education and insurance coverage.

Source: Institute of Medicine, Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care, 2002

Opinion

Extinguishing inequities in health care

■ A message to all physicians from AMA President Ronald M. Davis, MD.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Selected racial and ethnic disparities in health care

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