Inequalities In Healthcare

As the struggle for equality in health care continues in the United States, all hands must be on deck to ensure that every person who seeks medical care gets one. Health care disparities among individuals living in the United States arise from a complex interaction of variables that affects patients, healthcare givers and the health care system itself. Regrettably, this problem is no longer limited to the racial and/or ethnic minorities, its impact has been extended to include individuals and families who for one reason or the other are unable to acquire the full spectrum of health services necessary to promote health, prevent illness and maintain health. Although the health care reform designed to address the problem of inequalities in healthcare …show more content…
Being one of the first points of contact for many patients, the primary care physician assistants occupy a unique and strategic position for catching potentially serious medical conditions and institution of early intervention. Even though their responsibilities are often delegated by the supervising physician, they conduct clinical evaluation of patients, perform medical procedures, and provide preventive clinical services like cancer screening, counseling, and immunizations just to mention a few. Still, they are involved in the provision of continuity care to many other patients, especially those with chronic diseases and pregnant women. Also, they help to improve access to care by assisting patients to navigate through the system barriers that often hinder patients from getting the needed care. The diversity in the patient population that the primary care physician assistants serve is noteworthy. It refreshed my interest in primary care medicine considering that I had worked as a primary care physician in Nigeria for four years prior .This experiential learning made me realize that every medical encounter in potentially a cross-cultural experience and negotiating this divide is a challenge for …show more content…
To this end, I would align my personal and professional values to the benefit of the patients under my care. I would consider it an honor to work with the vulnerable population and build a relationship of trust and care with my patients because the lack of trust in the health care system and the healthcare provider remains one of the determinants of health care disparities. Moreover, a relationship-centered practice forges a bond that can stand the vicissitudes of the patient’s illness, its treatment, and conflict as it arises in the relationship