During the H1N1 flu epidemic in 2009, Native Americans died at four to five times the rate of other Americans. There are tremendous health disparities-like high incidence of diabetes and hypertension-that put the population at risk. And public health guidance, such as recommendations for hand washing, are a challenge for homes without running water.
I'm inspired by heroes like
Dr. Michelle Tom who is treating members of her Navajo community with scant resources. I hope that as a nation we will make better progress in addressing these significant health disparities. Are there other heroes like Dr. Tom who are inspiring you?
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Karey Sutton
Director, Health Equity Research Workforce
Association of American Medical Colleges
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