I read with great interest the article ("Paper finds gap in DUHS insurance," March 8) last month in The Chronicle, as it raised an issue that is of utmost importance to me. Arriving at a clearer understanding of the cultural factors and influences that lead to discrepancies between the use of available healthcare resources among white and minority populations is a local imperative for us at Duke, but should also be among our country's major national healthcare priorities.
While Professor Richman pointed out that there are still areas within his data set that require greater study and analysis, I have embraced his findings and the challenge that they represent to all of us who are part of the healthcare delivery system. Since that time, Dr. Richman and I have met to talk about his research, the implications of his findings and potential next steps that should be considered. I would also point out that there is research being conducted within the School of Medicine to better understand the causes and potential solutions for resolving disparities in healthcare consumption among various populations, and we will continue to study this issue with the ultimate goal of identifying pragmatic recommendations that can be implemented at the community level.
As mentioned in the article, I am proud of the significant progress that has been made within Duke Medicine to better align our workforce demographics with those in the community. However, there is much more work to be done to ensure that there are ultimately no differences in healthcare service utilization among people of all races and ethnic heritage.
Victor Dzau
Chancellor, Health Affairs
President & CEO, Duke University Health System
James B. Duke Professor of Medicine
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