One of the most notable issues in modern medicine involves the nationwide disparity in healthcare access and equity; I have noticed this especially in New York City, where several underprivileged patients face numerous barriers to accessing quality healthcare. As an aspiring medical professional, I am determined to leverage my skills, knowledge and compassion to bridge the gap and ensure equitable healthcare for the underprivileged populations in New York City and throughout the United States.
To elaborate, I would use my medical degree to increase outreach and accessibility to health resources within my practice. This would entail the establishment of outreach programs that would aim to identify and connect with individuals who face financial, geographical, or cultural barriers to healthcare access. These programs would therefore involve collaborating with community organizations, setting up mobile clinics in underserved areas and organizing health camps to provide basic medical services and health education. I would also utilize my role as a physician to encourage patient-driven decisions regarding their lifestyles and health habits, as I would direct them to specific resources and websites to assist them with personal adjustments. Furthermore, I will strive to work closely with local government agencies, nonprofits and healthcare institutions to develop strategies that reduce the administrative hurdles faced by underprivileged patients, such as complex paperwork, long waiting times and limited appointment availability. I have been involved with this process already as a former medical scribe at CityMD; with this position, I worked with the available healthcare team at my clinic to develop more streamlined ways to connect with patients and provide the highest amount of care possible. By streamlining processes and implementing patient-centered policies, I would strive to ensure that healthcare services become more accessible and efficient for those in need.
Aside from this, I would also utilize my practice to promote cultural competence and awareness. Being from an Indo-Caribbean background, I have recognized that there are many instances when patients of color can be neglected within medical settings. As a physician, I will strive for cultural competency training for healthcare professionals to enhance their understanding and sensitivity towards different cultural backgrounds and beliefs. By fostering an inclusive environment that respects and values cultural diversity, I will utilize my position to promote trust and encourage underprivileged patients to seek the care they need without fear of judgment or discrimination. Additionally, I would work with my healthcare team to actively promote the recruitment of a diverse healthcare workforce that reflects the communities it serves. I recognized this mentality previously as a member of my CityMD urgent care team; during my time there, I utilized my Spanish proficiency to connect with native speakers and cultivate higher levels of empathy with patients from Spanish-speaking backgrounds. I believe that diverse healthcare professionals can bridge cultural and linguistic gaps, ensuring better communication and understanding between patients and providers. This approach would contribute to more accurate diagnoses, improved treatment adherence and overall patient satisfaction.
I will also be motivated as a physician to encourage preventative care and promote the holistic nature of medicine among my patients. As a medical professional, I hope to emphasize health education initiatives that empower patients to take charge of their own health and well-being. I would work with local communities to develop community workshops, awareness campaigns and educational resources that are tailored to the specific needs of different populations, thereby allowing me to improve health literacy and promote preventative measures. By collaborating with local schools, community centers and religious institutions in New York City to implement programs that address prevalent health issues — including obesity, diabetes and substance abuse — I will create a more valuable space for patients to feel respected and heard. By promoting healthy lifestyles and preventative measures, I believe that I can mitigate the impact of these conditions on underprivileged communities and promote earlier interventional measures.
As a medical student, I have learned that my practice comes with many prices, many of which are not obvious to me. Healthcare equity is an area of medicine that deserves more attention among professional societies and settings and while I strive to work in New York City after graduating, I hope to support its improvement among underprivileged communities within my area and throughout the country. By improving health resource accessibility and outreach, encouraging cultural competence and increasing health education and preventative care measures, I know that a more effective and representative healthcare system is possible. I will utilize my role as a physician to make this happen and thereby help my patients live their healthiest lives.
Be the first to comment