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Health Equity: We All Have a Role to Play
Course Overview
Originally recorded at the 2022 AAMA Annual Conference. This is a video format course and requires audio.

Course Description
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the average U.S. life expectancy is 77 years. However, life expectancy estimates show racial and ethnic disparities. This disturbing reality will remain unchanged without the advancement of health equity—or fair and just opportunities to attain the highest level of health care possible, which requires the removal of barriers such as poverty, discrimination, and their consequences.
Course Information
Course Description
Health equity is essential to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. This course explores how diversity, inclusion, and equity influence health outcomes and patient experiences across healthcare settings. Learners will examine the impact of social determinants of health, unconscious bias, microaggressions, and systemic barriers that contribute to health disparities. Through examples involving maternal health, disability, gender identity, and LGBTQ+ populations, the course highlights the challenges faced by underserved communities and the actions healthcare professionals can take to promote more equitable care.

Practical strategies such as cultural humility, patient advocacy, inclusive communication, people-first language, and bias awareness are presented to help medical assistants create welcoming environments and support positive patient outcomes.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to:  
  • Describe the concepts of diversity, inclusion, and health equity and their relationship to patient outcomes.
  • Identify social determinants of health and barriers that contribute to health disparities.
  • Recognize the effects of unconscious bias, microaggressions, and discrimination in healthcare settings.
  • Apply strategies that promote inclusive, respectful, and patient-centered communication.
  • Explain the role of medical assistants in advancing health equity through advocacy, awareness, and culturally responsive care.

Note: This course was originally offered as a session at the 2022 AAMA Annual Conference. Conference attendees who have already received credit by attending this session are ineligible to earn additional CEUs by taking this course via the e-Learning Center.
Course Contributors
Melinda Gore, MA
Intended Audience
This course is designed for medical assistants, CMA (AAMA) professionals, allied health professionals, and other ambulatory care team members. Learners will gain practical strategies for recognizing health disparities, supporting diverse patient populations, and promoting equitable, inclusive care in everyday practice.
Retake Information
Please note that retakes for this online course require repurchase.
Summary
Availability:
On-Demand
Access expires 14 days after start
Cost:
Member: $20.00
Nonmember: $30.00
CEU Offered:
2 General CEUs
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