Diversity in Medicine series addresses healthcare disparities

In America’s ever evolving healthcare system, issues of diversity and disparities grow more and more significant. To help address them, the 10th annual Diversity in Medicine series provides information to assist healthcare professionals and medical students in maximizing patient care quality in our diverse society. Sponsored by the UC Irvine Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, and the schools of medicine and biological sciences, the 10-session series will explore the customs, values and behaviors of various cultures and how these factors affect the way healthcare is delivered. More than 200 people attended the first session Jan. 9, which featured a discussion on African-American healthcare issues, and upcoming topics include elderly health, biomedical ethics and Latino health. Chancellor Michael Drake will lead a session on “The Importance of Diversity” Jan. 30. The series, which is free and open to the public, takes place at 5 p.m. Wednesdays through March 12 in the Tamkin Student Lecture Building at the School of Medicine.