Who's Your Doctor?

The American Medical Student Association (AMSA) is proud to announce, "Who's Your Doctor?" a national campaign designed to attack the issue of health disparities at its root-the lack of preventative medicine. After researching the common health disparities specific to African, Hispanic, Native and Asian Americans we found the common thread amongst the diseases and disorders of these groups is that they can all either be prevented or their prognoses dramatically improved with consistent health care. The goal of this campaign is to encourage minority groups to establish a relationship with a primary care physician before they are ill.

Hypertension can be controlled and strokes can be prevented with consistent health care checkups. Cervical dysplasia can be identified before it becomes cervical cancer with yearly pap smears. Limb amputations can be prevented with properly controlled diabetes with the help of a primary care physician.

We fully recognize the barriers to healthcare that we as minorities face, and while this campaign will not remove those, there are ways that the WYD ideology addresses each of them.

I don't have insurance and cannot afford to go to the doctor.

More and more Americans are finding themselves un- or under-insured, and the financial burden of health care has become increasingly harder to bear. So the typical response is to forego the yearly check-up, and ignore symptoms for as long as we possibly can, until things have become so bad that we are forced to visit an emergency room for care. This pattern is not economically beneficial! Per the American Institute for Preventative Medicine the average office visit costs only $55, as opposed to the $360 average emergency room visit. Knowing this enforces the idea that prevention is not only important but also cost efficient! Whether you are insured or not, it is cheaper to pay for a pap smear than to pay for chemotherapy for cervical cancer, and it's cheaper to have your blood pressure checked at an office visit (and have to pay for a prescription) than to pay for inpatient and long-term rehabilitative care after a stroke.

I had a negative experience, and now I just don't trust doctors.

While there is no way to undo the effects of a negative prior encounter with the health care system, having had a negative experience doesn't sentence you to similar encounters in the future. Doctors are human! They all have different personalities and approaches to patient care, and they all may, at some point, make a less than glowing first impression on a patient. However, many find that with open communication and continued interaction, their experience improves as they get to know their doctor and their doctor gets to know them. However, if your experience still does not improve you should seek a different source of health care, but don't just give up! While it may not seem like it, you do have other options.

If I have something I don't want to know.

Typically people who say this don't want to know if they are sick because not knowing gives them a sense of control over their health and their lives. No one wants to be a prisoner to a disease or disorder, and no one wants his or her life to revolve around their health status. However, not knowing does not necessarily put you in control! Rather, being knowledgeable about your health status, and being informed about the disease process and your treatment options allows you to take an active role in controlling the direction of your health care. Also, considering that many disease processes are better combated in the early stages, and typically prognoses decline as time passes, knowing your health status and taking action improves your chances of returning to good health.

I don't know where to find affordable healthcare.

There ARE places in your area that are dedicated to providing affordable healthcare! One of the best-kept secrets in health care is the county health department! Here you will find well-trained healthcare professionals (doctors and/or nurse practioners) who either provide free services or services at reduced costs. Also, many health departments have an in-house pharmacy so that you can see your doctor and get your medication all in one trip. View a listing of state and local health departments.

Another source is either free or sliding scale clinics. These clinics are typically community based and offer services for free or at a cost that accommodates your financial situation.

There are also an increasing number of prescription drug assistance programs designed to help make medication more affordable. For more information visit the following sites:

Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs:

• DrugHelp
• MedsHelp
• Needy Meds
• RxAssist
• State Senior Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs

Medicare Prescription Drug and Other Assistance Programs

• Medicare Tools
• Together Rx Access

Senior Assistance Organizations:

• AARP
• Senior Navigator.com
• U.S. Administration on Aging
• The Interactive Aging Network
• Agenet

Government Agencies and Programs

• Bureau of Primary Health Care