Jeannette South-Paul, M.D., DHL(Hon), FAAFP, executive vice president and Provost of Meharry Medical College, joins James E.K. Hildreth, PhD, MD, to discuss the longstanding relationship between the Department of Veterans Affairs and medical schools across the country. Together they delve into the impact this collaboration has on medical students, veterans and the broader health care landscape. South-Paul also shares insights from her 20 years of active duty service in the United States Army and highlights the importance of diversity in the clinical workforce for veterans.

Dr. Atul Grover, executive director of the AAMC Research and Action Institute, outlines his concerns regarding health disparities created by recent policy changes and the effects regulations have on minority populations. As a nationally recognized expert in health policy, Dr. Grover describes his goal of contributing to growth in academic medicine through increasing diversity within the health care workforce, the dangers of restrictive policies within OB-GYN and AAMC’s advocacy for federal support in residency training programs, and securing the funding which will make a lasting change.

CEO of the National Healthcare for the Homeless Council, Bobby Watts, joins Dr. Hildreth to discuss the vitality of health equity in the face of economic disparity, and how understanding the homelessness crisis as a substantial human rights issue promotes empathy and strengthens the country as a whole. They’ll also provide insights into effective strategies for ensuring equal access to healthcare despite one’s financial position, and emphasize the necessity of prioritizing disadvantaged citizens to care for the community at large.