Dr. Fabian Sandoval, CEO and Research Director at Emerson Clinical Research Institute.
On December 4, NCL hosted a panel discussion: “COVID-19 Racial and Vulnerable Population Disparities.” To view a recording of the panel discussion and audience Q&A, please click here. Read on for a summary of the discussion.
Dr. Linda Fu, General Pediatrician and Director of Academic Development for Community Pediatrics at Children’s National Health System
Dr. Fu provided an overview of the health disparities that have laid bare due to the COVID-19 crisis and the implications these disparities pose for communities of color. Dr. Fu’s presentation focused on the impact of COVID-19 on the pediatric population and the unmet social determinants of health contributing to the prevalence of pediatric COVID-19 cases. Dr. Fu shone a light on her observations regarding disparity-based barriers experienced by patients pertaining to COVID-19, such as a lack of trust in the government and medical establishment, stemming from current and historical mistreatment towards minorities and marginalized persons. Dr. Fu also spoke to the value of increasing trust between patients and providers to encourage greater uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine. In closing, Dr. Fu emphasized the importance of the inclusion of historically underrepresented communities to achieve greater health equity and vaccine confidence.
Dr. Martha Dawson, President of National Black Nurses Association
Dr. Dawson brought with her the unique and layered perspective of both frontline workers and communities of color response to the pandemic. The National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) represents the interests of more than 300,000 Black nurses. Dr. Dawson provided a powerful overview of the plight of nurses fighting the pandemic, ranging from lack of adequate supplies, like personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical equipment like ventilators. These shortages have prompted nurses to make difficult ethical decisions to help preserve bed capacity and life-saving equipment. Dr. Dawson expressed that these factors have contributed to a rise in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the nursing profession, due to prolonged exposure to loss of life and grief. Dr. Dawson closed her presentation with a striking quote from a fellow colleague stating that they felt as if they’ve been sent into combat and just do not have the equipment, calling attention to the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic will have on nurse burnout and the long-term implications this can present for the nursing profession.
Dr. Fabian Sandoval, CEO and Research Director at Emerson Clinical Research Institute
Dr. Sandoval provided valuable insight into the increased necessity of diversity in clinical trials, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through his work at the Emerson Clinical Research Institute, Dr. Sandoval identified barriers to diversity in clinical trials including unmet social determinants of health, such as access to affordable healthcare and transportation. To address disparities, Dr. Sandoval decided to take the research to the actual communities that needed to be represented in clinical trials by establishing a community clinic that works in conjunction with the research institute. Through these efforts, Dr. Sandoval and his multilingual and multicultural staff, have helped foster patient trust and confidence in the medical establishment, where they provide patient education and resources. Dr. Sandoval also hosts a weekly medical TV show on Telemundo WZDC Washington, DC News called “Tu Salud Tu Familia” (Your Health Your Family). The Emmy award-winning show provides Spanish-language consumer education on a variety of health issues. In closing, Dr. Sandoval encouraged the Health Advisory Council to pursue innovative ways to expand their consumer reach via TV shows like his as effective means for disseminating timely information.
The panel discussion was followed by a Q&A session where Members asked our panelists for their views on changing public perception regarding the vaccine, influencing responsible behaviors in society, and increasing access to reliable consumer-focused messaging.
