J Natl Med Assoc
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The positive impact of diversity in increasing the effectiveness of the research workforce has been undeniably demonstrated to be an essential element for achieving health equity. Diversity is also instrumental for the research workforce to advance discovery, eliminate health disparities, improve minority health and achieve effective patient-centered outcomes in the quest for better health. ⋯ The purpose of this paper is to describe how diversity has been achieved through a concerted effort to recruit and develop underrepresented junior faculty and doctoral candidates for successful careers in clinical and translational research focused on health disparities and minority health. We describe Initiatives designed to achieve diversity in recruitment and development of research teams, together with an evaluation of outcomes to determine the success of the program and its participants.
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Variability in pediatric morbidity and mortality tends to be influenced by several factors including though not limited to social determinants of health, namely health inequity as an exposure function of health disparities. We aimed to assess the cumulative incidence of pediatric mortality, racial/ethnic disparities, and the predisposing factors for the disparities. ⋯ In-hospital pediatric mortality cumulative incidence was relatively low in our region, and racial disparities exist but did not persist after controlling for confounders. These findings are suggestive of the importance of social determinants of health namely quality care, adequate medical insurance, and early detection, diagnosis in pediatric morbidity and epigenomic alterations, as well as the need to go beyond the "close medical model" to improve pediatric morbidity and survival by addressing health inequity as a function of health disparities.
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Case Reports
Liver Abscess due to Streptococcus constellatus in an Immunocompetent Adult: A Less Known Entity.
Pyogenic liver abscesses (PLAs) are an uncommon, but potentially life threatening infection. We report a case of PLA due to Streptococcus constellatus, a member of the Streptococcus anginosus group (SAG) bacteria, commonly found as commensals of the oropharyngeal, gastrointestinal and genitourinary flora. ⋯ The pathogenic potential of SAG has generally been disregarded because of the commensal nature of these microorganisms; however, streptococci belonging to this group have been increasingly reported as relevant pathogens in abscesses and blood cultures. An underlying condition, such as diabetes, cirrhosis or cancer or some medical manipulation, such as dental extraction, acupuncture, or hemorrhoidectomy is associated with the majority of patients with SAG abscess. However, the present case highlights the need to include S. constellatus and other members of the SAG while investigating for etiology of PLA, even in immunocompetent adults.
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Many programs have been designed to increase the number of minorities participating in medical education. Despite these programs, the number of underrepresented minorities (URMs) has never reached the level of representation as is noted in the general census reporting of 12-13%. Using a focused literature review methodology, the Cobb Institute W. ⋯ The Cobb Institute concluded there is a substantial need to invest more in 'working' programs with proven outcomes aimed at increasing admittance into medical schools for black males in particular and URMs in general. PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to discuss and identify effective programs and strategies used to increase admissions of underrepresented minorities (URM) in general, and black males in particular, into medical school. We will examine best practices and make recommendations regarding successful actions which can lead to increasing black males in the admissions process.
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Compared to whites, blacks under-utilize primary care (PC) and over-utilize emergency department (ED) services. The aim of this study is to determine whether mistrust in physicians explains these black-white disparities, and the potentially modifying influence of socialization under racially segregated health care (i.e., raised in the U.S. South during the Jim Crow era). ⋯ Mistrust in physicians does not explain black-white disparities in PC or ED utilization. Blacks under-utilize PC services compared to whites, net of predisposing, need, and enabling factors, but this is especially apparent among blacks who were raised in the U.S. south during the Jim Crow era and continue to reside in the South. Blacks greatly over-utilize ED services compared to whites, but this is greatest among those raised in the south during the Jim Crow era and/or those currently residing in the South.