|
|
|
| Keynoters Explain How
to Work Toward Health Equity
| |
 |
Nuclear Cardiology Today's opening session included a panel discussion on strategies clinicians can implement to address inequities. From top left: Dennis Calnon, MD, MASNC; Rupa Sanghani, MD, FASNC; Clyde Yancy, MD, MS; Renée Bullock-Palmer, MD, FASNC; and CDR Kristie E.N. Clarke, MD, MSCR.
| |
| | |
| True to form, ASNC's Nuclear Cardiology Today wasted no time getting to some of the most challenging topics facing not just nuclear cardiology but all of healthcare. Northwestern University Chief of Cardiology and Vice-dean for Diversity and Inclusion Clyde Yancy, MD, MS, kicked off the program by outlining historical events that he acknowledged were difficult for him to say and hard for attendees to hear but necessary for understanding the steps that "well-intentioned, highly ethical and responsible professionals" can take to address racial inequities and reduce disparities.
After outlining how the "sordid history" of race in medicine has brought the field to a crucial intersection, Dr. Yancy explained "the biology of disparity" and presented COVID-19 data to show how disparities evolve. The goal of such conversations about equity and inclusion in healthcare, he said, is not to impugn anyone but rather to demonstrate how implicit bias affects the quality of care and to highlight the path forward. The path, he emphasized, is "not toward representativeness but toward excellence."
| |
"This is a generational moment. I'm certain that change will happen, and I'm hopeful that what happens next will be a big step toward more equity."
– Clyde Yancy, MD, MS
| |
Nuclear Cardiology Today's second keynote was delivered by medical epidemiologist CDR Kristie E.N. Clarke, MD, MSCR, who presented a data-packed lecture demonstrating how the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded at various levels and many intersections. As the Lead for the Disproportionately Affected Populations, Community Interventions, and Critical Populations Task Force of the CDC's COVID-19 Response, Dr. Clarke is focused on five populations that have been disproportionately affected and may be at increased risk: people with disabilities, older adults, people in correctional institutions, people experiencing homelessness, and people who use drugs or have substance use disorder.
| |
"We need to make sure that ... variables important to taking public health action on equity are baked into the architecture of how we're collecting data."
– CDR Kristie E.N. Clarke, MD, MSCR
| |
Dr. Clarke explained why the CDC's COVID-19 response includes a multilayered health equity strategy and pointed to resources clinicians may use for addressing disparities. Her overview of the CDC's efforts drew praise from attendees in the NC Today chat-box and on Twitter. "Commander Clarke and the CDC are going to help our nation emerge from the COVID pandemic," wrote Program Co-chair Dennis Calnon, MD, MASNC. "We are so grateful."
Opportunities at the Intersections
Both Dr. Yancy and Commander Clarke made a point of highlighting how clinicians can help. They outlined steps and strategies that individuals can initiate in their own practices, undertake in their communities, and model for others. "Be an upstander," Dr. Clarke encouraged, "not a bystander."
In concluding remarks, Dr. Yancy stressed that he is "bullish about the future" in part because societies across the country are taking on the issues of equity and inclusion. "These are issues people want to have addressed in a thoughtful manner," he said, "... This is a generational moment. I'm certain that change will happen, and I'm hopeful that what happens next will be a big step toward more equity."
| |
Friday Plenary Preview:
What Will Cardiovascular Imaging
Look Like in 2025?
| |
 |
James Udelson, MD, MASNC, and Prem Soman, MD, PhD, MASNC
| |
| | |
ASNC Past Presidents Look to the Future
How is the cardiac testing paradigm evolving? How will you be using myocardial perfusion imaging in 2025? What questions will MPI answer in the future, and how will you select tests to assess your patients' risk and guide their care? How will you ensure that the patient – not the test – is at the center of every recommendation you make?
For insights on these and more questions, be sure to join us later today for the special NC Today plenary session "State of the Art of Cardiac Imaging in 2021." You'll hear from ASNC Past Presidents James Udelson, MD, MASNC, and Prem Soman, MD, PhD, MASNC.
Dr. Udelson is the Chief of Cardiology and Nuclear Cardiology Laboratory Director at Tufts Medical Center. Dr. Soman is Nuclear Cardiology Director and Associate Chief of Cardiology for Faculty Development at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
The session will begin at 5:45 PM (U.S. EDT). Don't miss a minute.
| |
Visit the Exhibitor Showcase
| |
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Exhibitors
| |
|
Only paid attendees are eligible to enter the contests. Sponsors, exhibitors, and faculty are not eligible.
*Note: Due to CE requirements, technologists may not receive credit for attending recorded sessions.
| |
|
|
|
