2025 Encoding Health Equity Summit - Opening Introduction and Keynote-Opening & Keynote

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The Doris Hicks Foundation is focused on correcting biases in medical research and treatment that arise from outdated algorithms and assumptions, particularly those relating to race. This problem often leads to misdiagnosis or inadequate treatment for marginalized groups. The foundation advocates revisiting past evidence with modern tools and knowledge, asserting that race is a social construct rather than a biological determinant, heavily influencing resource distribution and health outcomes. A focus on health equity from a systemic perspective is promoted by speakers like Dr. Lisa Cooper, who emphasizes the importance of listening to community stories and leveraging one's lived experiences to foster connections and address inequality. Health disparities are rooted in complex social structures, and solutions require interdisciplinary collaboration and rigorous research. Challenges exist, such as political and social barriers, especially in maintaining funding for equitable research. Policymakers and researchers must apply deliberate strategies to enshrine equity. The Encoding Equity Alliance, supported by a significant grant, is an initiative aiming to better incorporate race and ethnicity in research, advocating for equity-focused clinical guidance and practices. Its goal is to create educational resources and change packages to support systemic equity-driven reforms. So, while progress has been made, substantive work and collaboration across sectors remain crucial to address disparities.

Keywords

Doris Hicks Foundation

medical research

health equity

race as social construct

misdiagnosis

marginalized groups

interdisciplinary collaboration

Encoding Equity Alliance

systemic reforms

health disparities

Dr. Lisa Cooper