Commentary

Educating primary care clinicians about health disparities

Roberto Cardarelli and Ana L Chiapa

Department of Family Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, USA

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Osteopathic Medicine and Primary Care 2007, 1:5doi:10.1186/1750-4732-1-5

Published:	1 February 2007

Abstract

Racial and ethnic health disparities inarguably exist in the United States. It is important to educate primary care clinicians regarding this topic because they have the ability to have an impact in the reduction of health disparities.

This article presents the evidence that disparities exist, how clinicians contribute to these disparities, and what primary care clinicians can do to reduce disparities in their practice. Clinicians are able to impact health disparities by receiving and providing cross-cultural education, communicating effectively with patients, and practicing evidence-based medicine. The changes suggested herein will have an impact on the current state of health of our nation.