Oral

This session investigates professional knowledge and attitudes in health care related to health disparities and the determinants of health in urban communities. Presenters will cover a range of topics establishing the importance of a usual source of care for improving diagnosis of chronic conditions, the measurement of professional knowledge and attitudes about health disparities and culturally competent care, and assessing two curriculum-based initiatives to increase knowledge and change attitudes. The panelists present several concrete strategies for increasing and tracking professional knowledge in order to improve the health of Latino and urban populations. The panelists will identify gaps in professional knowledge about the connections between healthy communities and healthy minds and bodies, and offer two medical school curriculum-based programs designed

Session Objectives: 1. Discuss the impact of professional knowledge about health disparities, cultural competency, and social determinants of health for improving health outcomes of underserved communities. 2. Compare alternative strategies for increasing knowledge about health disparities, cultural competency and social determinants of health through medical training programs. 3. Formulate approaches to measuring professional knowledge and attitudes about health disparities, cultural competency and social determinants of health and evaluating educational initiatives to increase knowledge and change attitudes.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)