What
Arizona
DOCS are Saying
Would greater diversity of physicians lead to improved care for patients? Of course! We need to learn that some medications don’t work well for certain groups of people, or that certain treatment plans wouldn’t fly in particular cultures. Physicians of different races, genders, etc., are great knowledge sources! —Sara Kertz, DO Yes. Patients would feel like they could identify more with their doctor/feel understood. —Monica Faria, MD
What does diversity in medicine mean to you? Acknowledging physicians of different colors, beliefs, sexuality, backgrounds — and appreciating the differences. We can learn to practice better medicine by not having a one-size-fits-all approach. —Sara Kertz, DO Diversity in medicine means having representatives from all groups at the table including ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and women. —Traci N. Fitzhugh, MD, FACOG It means hearing from a plurality of voices, including different ages, genders, races, ethnicities, and backgrounds in medical practice. —Melanie Cloonan-Schulte, MD
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A R I ZO N A P H Y S I C I A N M A G A Z I N E
Diversity among physicians may lead to improved care if more diverse patient populations feel comfortable accessing medical care because someone “like them” is providing it. —Melanie Cloonan-Schulte, MD Physicians can provide better care if they understand the backgrounds of patients. For example, physicians who know the typical foods of a population can help in decreasing obesity. —Ricardo Correa, MD If patients can recognize a kindred spirit, they may engage more in the medical system, have a higher utilization of preventative care services, and hopefully have better health outcomes. —Anne Maiden, DO
