Below is my monthly message for the February 2021 edition of the MHRI newsletter, Focus. You can view Focus online at MedStarResearch.org/FOCUS.
“The ability to ask questions
is the greatest resource in learning the truth” Carl Jung Dear Friends and Colleagues,
Early in my career, I was at a
large national conference as my friend presented an exciting new, cutting edge
technology. I was so happy that his hard work had come to fruition and he could
show the entire medical community the benefits of this novel technique. Given
my excitement about his work, you can only imagine my surprise when the
cardiologist sitting next to me said “that will never work!”
“What!! What do you mean? The
data clearly demonstrates that this technology works,” I respond. His reply
baffled me: “Look, you may have 20 minutes in your ivory tower medical center,
but I live in the real world and I only have 2 minutes for this part of the
exam.” And he was right – 15 years later an international task force was
formed to understand why this new technology was still un-adopted in routine
clinical practice!
Science is the creation of
knowledge. Modern medicine is filled with highly effective drugs and devices
because of scientific breakthroughs. However, modern medicine is also plagued
by very slow adoption of new technologies and large disparities of care. This
is why the field of healthcare delivery research (or health services research)
has emerged as vital in order to ensure the best and brightest aspects of
medicine are available (and used) in all parts of our society. A wonderful
discovery does no good if it is not getting to those who need it the most.
Today, in February 2021, I
marvel at the science that created, tested, and delivered 2 highly effective
COVID19 vaccines within one year of the virus’ arrival. Never has the power of
science been so strongly exemplified. However, we are again learning the
sobering lesson that science alone is not enough. 1 in 645 Black Americans has
died of COVID-19 (as compared to 1 of 825 white Americans) but white Americans
are being vaccinated 3 times as fast as Black Americans (according
to data from the 23 states reporting).
We need to understand why this is the case. Is it access, concerns about side
effects, underlying mistrust, or something else? The answers are likely
multifactorial and vary from person to person. So, how do we approach such a
complex situation to ensure every person can reap the benefits of the best
scientifically sound, medical care available?
On this snowy day, take a
moment to consider another perspective. Share your perspective and information
openly. It is through understanding and sharing that we will continue to
advance health for all parts of our community.
Stay well, stay warm, stay
safe and wear your mask!
Neil
