How do I explain health disparities and public health

[RX2020]

Okay - I understand Health disparities (also called health inequalities in some countries) refer to gaps in the quality of health and health care across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. How do incorporate this when asked in my pharmacy interview (if asked) - Also, a bit confused about public health....

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[xtsukiyox]

I don't understand the question - are you thinking you'll be asked a specific topical question on healthcare disparities? Or you just want to incorporate it into one of your answers...?

Otherwise, some judicial google / wikipedia browsing will probably do well towards your fluency on the subject. (No lie, I prepared for the "professionalism" question this way, although I wasn't asked.)

 

[RX2020]

I don't understand the question - are you thinking you'll be asked a specific topical question on healthcare disparities? Or you just want to incorporate it into one of your answers...?

Otherwise, some judicial google / wikipedia browsing will probably do well towards your fluency on the subject. (No lie, I prepared for the "professionalism" question this way, although I wasn't asked.)

I guess both - I am just confused as it seems so ambigious....

 

[rxlea]

health disparities and health inequities are different things. disparities, like higher incidence of certain diseases, can be the result of health inquities. it goes beyon ethnicity/race and SES as well... for example, people in rural communities have less access to care, especially specialty services. if you are just trying to use the issue to sound great in your interview because it is a "hot topic", you might actually do yourself a disservice.if you cannot point to any experiences you've had, you will have to stick with the token "I have some interest and might pursue that route". but considering you don't really know what it is makes me think you just want to sound empathetic or something to increase your chances of getting accepted.

as for a current events type question in an interview, I suggest reading about the changes that will be coming regarding quality of care, reimbursement for services, and how quality will actually be quantified.

 

[RX2020]

health disparities and health inequities are different things. disparities, like higher incidence of certain diseases, can be the result of health inquities. it goes beyon ethnicity/race and SES as well... for example, people in rural communities have less access to care, especially specialty services. if you are just trying to use the issue to sound great in your interview because it is a "hot topic", you might actually do yourself a disservice.if you cannot point to any experiences you've had, you will have to stick with the token "I have some interest and might pursue that route". but considering you don't really know what it is makes me think you just want to sound empathetic or something to increase your chances of getting accepted.

as for a current events type question in an interview, I suggest reading about the changes that will be coming regarding quality of care, reimbursement for services, and how quality will actually be quantified.

Thanks so it is more like cause and effect situation. Not really trying to increase my chances by saying I am willing to move to no town but something that I should know and be aware of regardless of my status

Thanks for your answer and productive comments

 

[rxlea]

Thanks so it is more like cause and effect situation. Not really trying to increase my chances by saying I am willing to move to no town but something that I should know and be aware of regardless of my status

Thanks for your answer and productive comments

I agree with you. it is somethig everyone should know about. I wasn't trying to be snippy but sometimes students will go into an interview and paint a picture of themselves that may not be in line with their actual reasons for pursuing pharm school. you don't want to get caught without anything to say if the interviewer starts probing you, if ya know what I mean. with that said, you can actually be involved in work with the underserved in urban centers as well. just something to think about...

 

[RX2020]

I agree with you. it is somethig everyone should know about. I wasn't trying to be snippy but sometimes students will go into an interview and paint a picture of themselves that may not be in line with their actual reasons for pursuing pharm school. you don't want to get caught without anything to say if the interviewer starts probing you, if ya know what I mean. with that said, you can actually be involved in work with the underserved in urban centers as well. just something to think about...

Thank for the productive comment.....and I know you weren't being one.....

again thanks