Presented By: Elizabeth Rivera-Mateo, Ponce Health Sciences University

Purpose 
Medical school curriculum must include content and learning experiences that prepare students on the importance of health disparities and inequities. Medical students also need to learn how to collaborate with other health professionals to provide patient care. This abstract describes the implementation of an interdisciplinary case discussion activity in a health disparities course. 

Methods 
A one-time case-based discussion activity was implemented in an interdisciplinary health disparities course as part of the curriculum of the medical program. The activity consisted of three (3) patient cases where students interacted with practitioners from other health professions with the goal of discussing the health problem, explaining risk factors, identifying access to health care, and discussing ways to improve it. Students, divided into groups, examined the cases for 20 minutes and had an additional 10 minutes to present the findings. Practitioners served as proctors during the discussion, guiding students during their clinical reasoning process. Active participation was observed and a satisfaction survey was administered. 

Results 
Eighty-six percent of students responded to be highly and very satisfied with the implementation of this activity. Ninety-four percent indicated to be highly and very satisfied with the course material in preparation for the activity. Also, ninety-five percent were highly and very satisfied with the practitioners who serve as proctors. Students indicated were able to integrate the content learned in the course and praise the interactions with other healthcare practitioners in their understanding and analysis of health disparities to improve patient care. 

Conclusions 
Exposing students to an interdisciplinary discussion of health disparities promotes an understanding of the role of healthcare providers in ensuring equitable healthcare access and delivery. It also helps familiarize students with the importance of team-based aspects of the healthcare environment early on in their training.