Building Trust and Health Equity in All Communities:
2013 Geisel Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
"Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and the most inhumane."
—Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
One constant in our culture has been mistrust in the healthcare system, especially in under-resourced communities and communities of color in the United States. With the uncertainty revolving around health care reform and how the changes will affect underserved communities, this inherent mistrust may grow. The medical community at Dartmouth has watched this changing climate and wants to take action. Changing times are always an opportunity to step in and help set a new path.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood for speaking out in support of equality among people and backing up words with action. This year, the Geisel School of Medicine MLK Celebration is modeling this year's events after Dr. King's philosophy by redefining our purpose. We're returning to the original intent of MLK Day by both drawing the attention of our medical community to the pertinent issue of mistrust in healthcare and also how we can take action.
This year's keynote speaker will be Roy Wade MD, PhD, MPH, a pediatrician who is currently doing a minority health policy fellowship through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. His recent policy work involves researching poverty medicine and trauma and their long-term effects on children of color. The hope is that this year's keynote will be more of a dialogue that can serve as a starting point for our community outreach efforts.
Upcoming 2013 Geisel MLK Celebration Events:
KEYNOTE:
Title: Addressing Health Disparities: Moving Towards Social Justice in Medicine
Speaker: Roy Wade, MD ('07), PhD, MPH
Date: 6:00 PM; Thursday, January 17th
Place: Chilcott Auditorium
PANEL:
Title: Perspectives from Community Based Organizations: Bridging Disparities and Overcoming Mistrust
Panelists from the Upper Valley and beyond will share their perspectives on how to foster trust and openness with diverse patients.
Facilitators: Anubhav Kaul TDI '13 and William Boyle MD
Date: 6:00 PM; Thursday, January 24th
Place: Chilcott Auditorium
COMMUNITY OUTREACH:
Our MLK Committee will organize community service events throughout the year.
To engage and work with us, please contact Geisel Medical School's Office of Diversity and Inclusion at (603) 650-1553.
Check out the Geisel MLK Celebration events.
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