RESOURCES

Barriers to healthcare exist at all levels and manifest in inequitable access, quality, and affordability across socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic groups. All providers must be conscientious of biases perpetuated on individual and societal levels to move toward better practices. As premedical students, we must begin to educate ourselves on these topics now. Check out what we have been reading below!

FEATURED ARTICLES (BY TOPIC):

Healthcare Disparities in Maternal Health
  • Racial and Ethnic Disparities Continue in Pregnancy-Related Deaths: “Non-Hispanic black (black) and non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) women experienced higher PRMRs (40.8 and 29.7, respectively) than all other racial/ethnic populations (white PRMR was 12.7, Asian/ Pacific Islander PRMR was 13.5 and Hispanic PRMR was 11.5).  This was 3.2 and 2.3 times higher than the PRMR for white women – and the gap widened among older age groups.” 
  • March of Dimes (MOD) Preterm-Birth Report: “In the United States, the preterm birth rate among black women is 49% higher than the rate among all other women.” 
Representation in Healthcare
  • As physicians move to minimize barriers to equitable access to healthcare, cultural competence and similarity in background are essential in building stronger communities and relationships between patients and providers. Studies have shown that as patient feelings of trust, security, and connectedness increase, so do positive health outcomes. Read this study conducted by Stanford and UC Berkeley to learn more!
  • Medical School matriculant and graduate demographics data​
Important Contributions to Healthcare
  • POCs have a strong history of pioneering advances in medicine and research. Let’s continue to uplift these trailblazers! Learn more about a handful of these successes here!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES/LINKS

Check out these educational resources and action items for UC Berkeley students, residents of the Bay Area, and individuals looking for ways to become more educated and make your voices heard in support of movements across the country!
GENERAL RESOURCES
BOOKS AND OTHER MEDIA: