Episode #168: "I Have SOMETHING To Say" with special guest, Dr. Edith M. Nieves López

<p><span data-ogsc="black">Health disparities persist because the disconnect between managerial teams at service providers and the populations they serve persists as well. In this episode of I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY I talk about the uphill battle to change how we deliver healthcare with</span> <span data-ogsc="black">Dr. Edith M. Nieves López</span>, a fierce advocate for health equity and creating clear pathways for minoritized people to access effective and culturally mindful care.</p> <p><span data-ogsc="black">Dr. Nieves López is a board-certified</span><span data-ogsc="black" data-ogsb="white">, bilingual pediatrician with over 10 years of experience. Her work in the U.S. healthcare system is informed by having initiated her medical career in Puerto Rico – which affords her a different perspective. As a Puerto Rican doctor working with Puerto Rican patients in Puerto Rico, the lack of historical context and cultural considerations in patient-centered care was not a thing to worry about. Her knowledge of historical context and cultural considerations was embedded into the provision of medical attention and treatments, and it was expected.</span></p> <p><span data-ogsc="black" data-ogsb="white">Transitioning to working in the U.S. mainland in the public health arena has now afforded Dr. Nieves López first-hand hands-on experience with diverse patients, and due to her unique “outsider” lens, she was quickly able to identify inefficiencies, disparities, opportunities, improvements, and solutions that can enhance the well-being and quality of life of patients of color. What’s even MORE awesome about her is that she’s not shy about calling out social injustices that impact health equity, physical and mental health, and survival rates.</span></p> <p><span data-ogsc="black" data-ogsb="white">A true and vocal advocate, Dr. Nieves-López states, “C</span><span data-ogsc= "black">ommunities do not need representatives, they need us to listen to their collective wisdom to design and enact effective policy. There are key p