Wisdom on Working With the Underserved

IFM’s Director of Medical Education Robert Luby, MD, interviews Sharad Kohli, MD, on the many ways that clinicians can work with the underserved in any setting.

Topics covered in this interview include:

Addressing health needs before addressing social determinants of health.
Listening and personalizing recommendations, paying attention to what the patient cannot change and their safety in their home and neighborhood environment.
Being aware of your own biases (and how to determine them).
Considering literacy needs and translation needs for patient education materials in your clinic.
- If you are part of a larger clinic or group of clinics, considering a Patient Advisory Council to help you help more patients.
Being aware that being agnostic about cultural factors and customs may exclude important information.
Resources and tips for health literacy that may help clinicians and patients.
The role of trauma in pain, stress, and addiction—and increased rates of trauma in underserved populations.
Pair of ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) model – Adverse Community Environments.
- Role of Collaborative Care Teams (nutritionists, substance abuse counselors, etc.).
- Use of attorneys to support health needs.
- Case conferences for complex patients.
Working with a 15-minute appointment in the Functional Medicine model.
Where you can find data on cost effectiveness and outcomes for underserved populations.
What is IM4US (Integrative Medicine for the Underserved)? What is its mission?
Tools for health equity.