Eliminating health disparities through implementation of innovative medical education

Background: Unequal distribution of services is the consequence of historical, political, cultural and economic processes resulting in low investment in human, physical, health and social infrastructure. These socio-economic disparities influenced the availability of resources to individuals with health issues and severely affected accessibility to health care services.

Objectives: We assessed opinions of community and business sectors about whether a school, a program, or track in Osteopathic medicine at Jackson State University can facilitate the reduction in health disparities, and whether present osteopathic services meet the needs in terms of facilities and personnel.

Method: Preliminary data used for this study were gathered from the administration of surveys and focus groups to gather information from a cross-section of Mississippi residents and businesses.

Results: 97% believe there is widespread inaccessibility to health services, 89.1% feel that there is a shortage of qualified African American doctors in Mississippi, 94.9% believe that the development of a Medical School at JSU can reduce health disparities in Mississippi, and 96.8% believe that a Medical School at JSU can build capacity among African American youth in the medical profession, increasing available medical professionals in Mississippi.

Conclusions: There is widespread recognition of health disparities and inaccessibility to healthcare in Mississippi. So far, participants expressed support for alternative sources of training to satisfy the needs of the communities. Implementing new, innovative educational strategies will help remove Mississippi from being among the sickest in the nation, with the highest per capita rates of such chronic illnesses as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and sexually transmitted diseases. The conclusions are from a preliminary study of osteopathy needs in the State, which is to continue over the next two years.