What if the health inequities we see today aren’t just flaws in our healthcare system, but reflections of deeper societal injustices?
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In this episode of The Health Feast, Po and I sit down with Dr. Seth Berkowitz, a physician, researcher, and expert in health equity and social policy. Seth is a primary care physician, and he’s a voice advocating for a society where health is a right, not a privilege. I had the privilege of training with Seth years ago at San Francisco General, where we both witnessed firsthand how patients, especially those most vulnerable, struggled not because of a lack of medical expertise but because of social and economic barriers outside hospital walls.
Dr. Berkowitz is an Associate Professor of Medicine at UNC Chapel Hill and has dedicated his career to examining the social determinants of health, food insecurity, and the power of medically tailored meals. He recently published his first book, Equal Care, where he digs into the economic, historical, and policy-driven roots of health disparities in America, calling them a “moral failure of society.”
In this episode, we explore what "health equity" truly means, the systemic causes of health disparities, and why quick fixes often fall short. We also delve into Seth’s research on food as medicine and the promising steps forward, like Medicare coverage for medically tailored meals. Dr. Berkowitz doesn’t just diagnose our nation’s healthcare issues—he offers a vision for a society that prioritizes health, justice, and access for all.
Whether you’re a healthcare provider, a policy advocate, or simply someone wanting to understand the bigger picture of health, this conversation is filled with insights, challenges, and a dose of hope for a better future.
Live Well and RAK ON,
Dr. Rak 👊🏽
Takeaways
Health inequity is an injustice that harms health, and addressing the underlying causes of health disparities is essential to achieving health equity.
COVID-19 has highlighted existing health inequities and the impact of social and economic circumstances on health outcomes.
Working-class individuals often face barriers in accessing quality healthcare, and addressing the social determinants of health is crucial for improving health equity.
An egalitarian state aims to translate the moral equality of individuals into substantive equality in their daily lives.
Research on food insecurity and nutrition interventions, such as medically tailored meals, has led to policy changes and increased support for addressing food-related health disparities. Universal access to healthcare is important for promoting population health, but it should be recognized that healthcare alone does not determine overall health.
The current healthcare insurance model may not be the most effective way to provide healthcare for everyone, and a public model similar to education or utilities may be more appropriate.
Technology, such as AI, can be a tool that either helps or hinders healthcare, depending on how it is deployed and used.
Individuals can make a difference in moving towards health equity by being attuned to opportunities for change, joining organizations, and consistently striving to make small improvements each day.
Timestamps:
01:01 Introduction to Dr. Seth Berkowitz
03:46 Revisiting Medical Training
05:06 Health Inequity as a Moral Failure
05:50 Defining Health Inequity
07:15 Disparities and Injustices in Health
08:26 COVID-19 and Health Inequity
10:59 Economic Precarity and Health
12:31 Advice for Working-Class Individuals
13:27 The Role of Healthcare Access
20:24 The Egalitarian State
24:18 Challenges in Writing and Research
29:29 Food as Medicine
31:46 Impact of Research on Policy
35:03 Current State of Healthcare
37:16 Rethinking Health Care: Illness Insurance vs. True Health Care
38:07 The Flaws of the Insurance Model in Health Care
39:12 Public School Model for Health Care
40:29 Universal Health Care: Lessons from New Zealand and Beyond
41:15 Comparing Health Care Systems: Public vs. Private
43:38 The Case for Universal Health Care in the U.S.
44:23 Imagining a Better Health Care System
45:18 Addressing Health Care Quality and Equity
46:03 The Role of Income Support in Population Health
49:35 Social Wealth Funds: A Solution for Income Inequality
58:44 The Potential and Challenges of Technological Advancements
01:00:12 Practical Steps Towards Health Equity
01:01:33 Personal Practices for Health and Well-being
01:03:44 Final Thoughts and Life Philosophy
Links:
Buy Dr. Berkowitz's book- Equal Care
Dr. Berkowitz's Website
Follow @thehealthfeast on Instagram and YouTube for more. The Health Feast is available wherever you get podcasts and at thehealthfeast.com.
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Disclaimer: The Health Feast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. As with any changes affecting your health, we recommend and encourage you to consult your medical doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals before making lifestyle changes. The opinions expressed are our own and do not necessarily reflect the views of our employers.
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