Today’s plenary session at the 7th National Conference on Quality Health Care for Culturally Diverse Populations featured patient advocate Susan Matsuko Shinagawa and physician-author Dr. Danielle Ofri. Ms. Shinagawa described the connection between her family and community’s history and culture (internment of Japanese Americans during World War II) and her own experiences as a cancer patient. She highlighted the continuing need for disaggregated data, cultural competence and advocacy by patients, families and communities in addressing health disparities. Dr. Ofri read from some of her writings about her experience as a physician treating diverse patients and her own learning and increased self-awareness. Her better understanding of her patients helped her provide better clinical care to her patients.
Ignatius Bau 