AMSA Health Equity Week:
Race, Genetics & Disparities
In collaboration with the AMSA Chapter at VCU, we will discuss Race, Genetics & Disparities during the AMSA Health Equity Week.
Events:
Friday, January 29th at 12:00 pm
Dialogue & Action: Health Disparities in Bone Marrow Transplants
with Dr. Gary Simmons, DO
(Division of Hematology, Oncology & Palliative Care )
The goal of this session is to discuss pressing racial health disparities in bone marrow transplant availability. As a group, we will also be brainstorming possible solutions and actions that might help us address this issue as an institution.
Background Information
Racial disparities in hematopoietic cell transplantation in the United States
Why the Demand for Black Bone Marrow Donors Is High—and Awareness Is Low
How does a patient's ethnic background affect matching?
Example of a UW Actions on this issue
VCU Student Reflection on the Donor Process
Sunday, January 31st at 6:00 pm
Discussion: Health Disparities in Bone Marrow Transplants
Readings (choose one or more):
Interview with Artist, Activist, and Leukemia Patient Walela Nehanda
Racial disparities in hematopoietic cell transplantation in the United States
Why the Demand for Black Bone Marrow Donors Is High—and Awareness Is Low
How does a patient's ethnic background affect matching?
Race & Genetics Resources:
Genes Don't Cause Racial-Health Disparities, Society Does
Dorothy Roberts: What's Race Got to Do with Medicine?
SUPERIOR: The Return of Race Science
How Science and Genetics are Reshaping the Race Debate of the 21st Century
AMSA Discussion questions:
Could genetic testing help reduce or increase disparities?
Why is there a fear of discrimination by insurance companies, employers, and society as a result of genetic testing?
What are the altrications of each form of genetic testing: diagnostic, carrier, and predictive testing?
How can genetic testing benefit your life as well as your children’s life?