Welcome to Season 2 of UPMED: The Journal of Healthcare's Race To The Bottom with your host, Dr. Erica Rowe Urquhart. We kick off Season 2 with a thought-provoking episode. In this episode, your host, Dr. Erica Rowe Urquhart sits down with the incredibly accomplished Dr. Kecia Ford. Dr. Ford is an internist with multiple high-risk clinics in New York. They discuss Dr. Ford's unique journey from biomedical engineering to internal medicine, and delve into the challenges of providing quality healthcare in underserved communities. Learn about the innovative use of wearable medical technology in treating high-risk diabetes patients and the crucial role of public-private partnerships. Dr. Ford shares insightful stories of patient success, highlighting the indispensable value of education, private funding and advocacy in medicine.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Dr. Ford explains her journey into medicine.

• What is a FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Center)?

• Dr. Ford explains how recent technology helps her treat diabetic patients.

• Dr. Ford discusses the population dynamics in the communities surrounding her health center.

• Dr. Erica and Dr. Ford discuss how public/private partnerships help Dr. Ford provide quality care to their patients.

• 3 Challenges FQHC’s Face:

• 1. Environmental Challenges (access to better food sources)

• 2. Patient Financial and Health Challenges

• 3. Insurance Provider Formulary Challenges

In this episode, Dr. Erica Urquhart delves into the intricate dynamics of healthcare economics and the role of insurance companies in the industry. She raises concerns about transparency, conflicts of interest, data privacy, and market control within the healthcare system. Dr. Urquhart shares a powerful New York Times article exposing instances where insurance company practices lead to disparities in payments, emphasizing the need for reform in the healthcare payment structure.

EPISOSDE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Dr. Urquhart gives examples of healthcare monetary values.

• Dr. Urquhart explains how the insurance payment system works.

• Dr. Urquhart shares the revelations cited in the New York Times article involving the disparity of the distribution of healthcare payments to healthcare providers.

• Dr. Urquhart shares her three takeaways from the New York Times Article: a. Are we hearing anything about this issue from our legislators? b. Are we seeing more articles giving us the numbers? c. Can we ensure data privacy and security?

• Dr. Urquhart issues a call for change in the insurance payment system.

To continue the conversation, Follow Dr. Erica Rowe Urquhart on her YouTube Channel @ https://www.youtube.com/@theupwardly

Cardiologist, Raashan Williams, MD joins UpMed. In this episode, the interventional cardiologist who trained at Cornell discusses his first impression of the white coat as a toddler in Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Williams has a unique background and perspective on urban healthcare in a diverse environment. He candidly gives us an insider view as he shares his insights on the roles and responsibilities of clinical practitioners.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Dr. Williams explains what drew him to interventional cardiology.

• Dr. Williams and Dr. Urquhart discuss the advantages and disadvantages of private practice.

• Dr. Williams highlights the success he has had in his private practice:

• a. The personality of the practice.

• b. The patient doctor interaction which requires nurturing to be successful.

• Dr. Urquhart and Dr. Williams explain the disconnect between doctors, insurance providers, and patients when it comes to providing quality care.

• It is important to stay focused on what got you into medicine instead of being distracted by what is happening around you.

To continue the conversation, Follow Dr. Erica Rowe Urquhart on her YouTube Channel @ https://www.youtube.com/@theupwardly