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Published January 17, 2022

In preparation for this important national holiday, I was reflecting on the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and was particularly drawn to his often-misstated quote, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and inhuman because it often results in physical death.” Unfortunately, 56 years later and amidst a much-divided society, this statement remains relevant and true as a descriptor of the growing social gap in health care. As an organization and a community of healers, we must challenge ourselves to refocus our energies away from the dissention that traps us and toward the patient care that positively drives us. But how? How do we move from a community divided to a community united around this common goal of healing?

Over the last 24 months, we’ve asked similar questions about many subjects that divide us, and we always gravitate to the same answer. We can create real change by first acknowledging differences and setting them aside. By looking for the places where we share the same vision, the same goals. By being authentically curious and thoughtful listeners. By rebuilding trust.

We have the ability and more pointedly the responsibility to work together to help patients rise from the ravages of chronic and infectious disease and to help optimize their innate capacities for healing, balance, and wellbeing. The path has been laid for all of us to do this work together. We can help change the tides of health injustice by acknowledging our differences, embracing our common goals, linking arms, and stepping forward together to ensure the greatest expression of health and wellbeing for all.

In service with you,
Amy R. Mack, MSES/MPA
IFM CEO