AOCOPM 2023 Midyear Educational Conference-259668

259668 - Article 2

Pdf Summary

The AOCOPM 2023 Midyear Educational Conference, led by Dr. Rex Archer, focuses on the critical role of doctors in addressing the Social and Structural Determinants of Health (SSDoH). The session emphasizes understanding beyond conventional patient care, urging physicians to influence social, political, and economic factors affecting health outcomes. This broad perspective is crucial for chronic disease and injury prevention, as well as for improving public health practices.<br /><br />The conference highlights the ongoing evolution in health professional education due to new disease sciences, board content, and the need to address root causes of health issues, rather than just symptoms. It underscores a shift from individual care to a population health approach, acknowledging the extensive impact of social determinants on health, accounting for up to 80-90% of modifiable health contributors.<br /><br />Significant disparities are illustrated through zip code-based life expectancy differences in Kansas City, showcasing the profound influence of social factors like education and income on health outcomes. The session advocates for a systemic change to tackle these disparities, urging healthcare professionals to engage in community health improvement, political advocacy, and policy development to promote equity.<br /><br />Key strategies for moving upstream in healthcare include community health assessments, supporting socioeconomic policies like paid sick leave, and enhancing voter access, recognizing voting as a social determinant of health. The conference also stresses integrating cultural competency and social justice into medical education, aiming to address and reduce health disparities.<br /><br />Finally, the session calls for a balanced approach across clinical interventions, long-lasting protective interventions, and socioeconomic improvements, to foster healthier, more resilient communities. The idea is to spend equivalent efforts on addressing root causes of health issues to achieve substantial and sustainable health improvements.

Keywords

Social Determinants of Health

Structural Determinants

Public Health

Chronic Disease Prevention

Health Disparities

Population Health

Community Health

Cultural Competency

Policy Development

Health Equity