February Conversation: Current State of Health Disparities

1720 W. Broadway,Louisville KY 40203

16 February, 2023

Description

About Kelly C. McCants, M.D Executive Medical Director, Norton Heart & Vascular Institute, Advanced Heart Failure & Recovery Program Executive Director, Norton Institute for Health Equity As executive medical director of the Norton Heart & Vascular Institute Advanced Heart Failure and Recovery Program and executive director of the Institute for Health Equity, a Part of Norton Healthcare, Kelly C. McCants, M.D., is passionate about serving patients facing difficult health challenges and addressing health disparities. Dr. McCants believes being able to serve is the greatest gift. Dr. McCants earned his medical degree from Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, and completed his internship, residency and fellowship at the University of Louisville. Growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, and Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Dr. McCants said he drew inspiration from his mother and older brother. He is the first physician and only the fourth college graduate among 54 members of his extended family. As an African American and a physician, Dr. McCants is deeply aware of structural racism and inequities, as he has experienced them personally. This helps him understand issues and concerns from a patient and provider perspective. Through work with heart failure patients, Dr. McCants learned the power of addressing socioeconomic dynamics to help patients achieve recovery. During this month's conversation we will review how certain populations are underdiagnosed, under-researched and undertreated, particularly when it comes to cardiovascular diseases. The discussion will include the role of community-based organizations in eliminated disparities in health care.