Physicians can play an important part in advocating for social change as literature shows health is largely correlated to socioeconomic factors.
STAT published an article by Boston-based Harvard Medical School faculty members Gaurab Basu, MD, and Danny McCormick, MD, who delve into how providers can work to better our nation's health through addressing social factors and why medical schools should incorporate physician advocacy training into their curriculums.
Here are five thoughts:
1. To combat different healthcare issues facing our nation, Drs. Basu and McCormick say we need a physician workforce that has both the skillset and compassion to push forward policies that enhance health and health equity.
2. Cambridge Health Alliance implemented a curriculum for the system's internal medicine resident program. All residents are required to learn about the nation's healthcare system, health disparities, global health and human rights.
3. Throughout the year, residents met with different legislators and community organizations to learn about physician advocacy and how they can promote social change once they launch their careers.
4. In 2016, residents analyzed racial disparities in healthcare coverage and healthcare access throughout the United States. Residents published their findings in an academic journal and wrote an op-ed with the goal of influencing healthcare reform. Through the curriculum, residents met with media personnel and built upon their skills in public speaking and media writing.
5. Healthcare reform is moving quickly and Drs. Basu and McCormick argue the time for health advocacy is now. The recent changes may not bode well for many patients as the ACA repeal could cost 32 million of Americans their coverage. The authors state, "We believe that every medical education institution should weave health advocacy into their programs. We must train future doctors to understand the social factors that affect health outcomes and to work to improve them."