DEIBXXEM2402 - CME/CMLE - Improved Survival in Cancer but Continued Disparities: Planning the Future with Precision Medicine, but Assessing the Past through the Rear View Mirror-Improved Survival in Cancer but Continued Disparities: Planning the Future with Precision Medicine, but Assessing the Past through the Rear View Mirror

Improved Survival in Cancer but Continued Disparities: Planning the Future with Precision Medicine, but Assessing the Past through the Rear View Mirror

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Video Summary

The healthcare field, particularly laboratory medicine, faces a shortage of professionals while dealing with inequities in healthcare delivery, especially in disadvantaged communities. Dr. Edith Mitchell, the renowned speaker highlighted, has made significant strides in oncology and promoting diversity and equity. Dr. Mitchell's career achievements include pioneering roles in military healthcare and academia, notably becoming the first African-American woman promoted to brigadier general in the Missouri Air National Guard. Her speech emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between pathologists, laboratory medicine, and clinical medicine to provide optimal cancer care. <br /><br />She highlighted the persistent disparities in healthcare and called for more inclusion and equity, referencing historical and contemporary challenges such as the National Medical Association's efforts and the flaws in the 1910 Flexner Report. Dr. Mitchell discussed the racial disparities in cancer incidence and mortality, noting that African-Americans suffer higher rates and poorer outcomes. She stressed the need for more community engagement and participation in clinical trials, urging professionals to work together to ensure equitable healthcare access for all, including implementing new therapeutic interventions and expanding Medicaid.

Keywords

healthcare inequities

laboratory medicine

Dr. Edith Mitchell

oncology

diversity and equity

racial disparities

community engagement

clinical trials