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Is Universal Healthcare A Solution to U.S. Healthcare Disparities? The Binaytara Foundation Hosts a Debate on this Crucial Topic with Global Leaders
BELLEVUE, WA (April 26, 2024) – The Binaytara Foundation, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to promoting health equity and addressing healthcare disparities, is pleased to announce an upcoming debate on the topic: “Is Universal Healthcare A Solution to U.S. Healthcare Disparities?” The debate will be held on April 28, during The Summit on Cancer Health Disparities (SCHD24), which will take place in Seattle from April 26 to 28, 2024.
The Summit on Cancer Health Disparities provides a platform for sharing innovative research, best practices, and policy initiatives to advance health equity in cancer care. It will feature lectures, panel discussions, and a debate among leaders across the spectrum of cancer care delivery, including Karen Knudsen, Ph.D. MBA, CEO of the American Cancer Society; Willie Underwood III, MD, MSc, MPH, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, American Medical Association; and Isaac Opole, MD, MBChB, PhD, FACP, President-elect Designee for the American College of Physicians.
“We are honored to host this pivotal debate at The Summit on Cancer Health Disparities,” said Dr. Binay Shah, program director for SCHD and co-founder and president of the Binaytara Foundation. “By bringing together leaders from various sectors, we aim to foster a meaningful dialogue that will inform policy decisions and drive positive change in healthcare delivery and access.”
Healthcare disparities continue to plague communities across the United States, and the globe disproportionately affecting marginalized and underserved populations. As the nation grapples with how to address these disparities, the debate on the efficacy of universal healthcare has taken center stage.
The Binaytara Foundation recognizes the importance of engaging in thoughtful discourse on this critical issue and is bringing together global leaders, healthcare experts, policymakers, and advocates to explore the potential of universal healthcare in addressing healthcare disparities in the United States at its summit. The debate will take place on April 28 and will feature distinguished moderators and panelists representing diverse perspectives on the topic, including
Moderators
Manisha Bhattacharya, MD, MBA is a Neuro-Oncology Hospitalist at the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University.
Aaron Goodman, MD is a Hematologist and Associate Professor of Medicine at University of California, San Diego Health.
Panelists
Karen E. Knudsen, MBA, PhD is the CEO of both the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). As an internationally recognized oncology leader, healthcare executive, and advocate, Dr. Knudsen guides both organizations toward the goal of improving the lives of cancer patients and their families.
Sen. Manka Dhingra is the Deputy Majority Leader of the Washington State Senate. She brings two decades of experience as a prosecutor and behavioral health expert to her role as chair of the Senate Law & Justice Committee. She also serves on the Health & Long-Term Care Committee and the Ways & Means Committee.
Barbara L. McAneny, MD, is an oncologist/hematologist practicing in Albuquerque, NM, and chief executive officer of New Mexico Oncology Hematology Consultants, Ltd., and New Mexico Cancer Center. She is a past president of the American Medical Association (AMA), and was the first oncologist ever to hold that position.
Willie Underwood, III, MD, MSc, MPH, is a board-certified urologist with more than 20 years of overall urologic surgery experience, including more than ten years focused on robotic urologic surgery. He was elected to the American Medical Association Board of Trustees in June 2019 and chair in June 2023.
Rep. Adam Smith is the representative for Washington’s Ninth Congressional District. Adam’s top priority is to encourage broad-based economic opportunity by ensuring all Americans have access to a high-quality education and job-training opportunities, building a stronger transportation infrastructure, reforming our tax code, and supporting social programs that provide a bridge for struggling families to get back to work. Adam has also been a leader in developing new legislation to reform deportation and detention policies.
Isaac O. Opole, MB.Ch.B, Ph.D. FACP, is the President-elect Designee for the American College of Physicians. He is currently associate vice chancellor of student affairs a professor of medicine at the Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.
Through robust discussion and analysis, participants will examine the implications of implementing universal healthcare and its potential to reduce disparities in access to quality healthcare services, particularly in the context of cancer care. Each panelist will discuss:
How could universal healthcare impact the access to medical services for underserved populations in the U.S., and what mechanisms should be in place to ensure it addresses healthcare disparities effectively? Are there models of universal healthcare from other countries that can be most effectively adapted for the U.S. healthcare system, taking into account the unique challenges and disparities present?
How can the U.S. ensure that a move towards universal healthcare does not compromise the quality of care, given the concerns about potential increased wait times and rationing of services seen in other countries with universal healthcare systems? How can the U.S. design a universal healthcare system that maintains, or even enhances, the quality of medical services?
How might universal healthcare affect medical innovation and the development of new treatments and technologies in the U.S. healthcare system?
How should the U.S. address the concerns of healthcare professionals and insurers regarding job security and industry stability if a universal healthcare model were adopted?
In the debate over universal healthcare, cost is a significant concern. What are the projected long-term economic impacts of shifting to a universal healthcare system, both in terms of government spending and individual costs?
What role should the private sector play in a universal healthcare system, and how can public-private partnerships be leveraged to improve health outcomes while controlling costs?
SUMMIT SCHEDULE
April 26
08:15 AM – 09:30 AM Session 1: Understanding Disparities
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Session 2: Disparities: Access To Diagnostics and Care
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM Session 3: Caring for the Careers: Diversity, Inclusion, and Professional Well-Being of the Global Community of Cancer Care Professionals
01:15 PM – 2:30 PM Session 4: Integration of Technology into Cancer Care
02:45 PM – 04:15 PM Session 5: Achieving Quality Through Value-Based Models for Cancer Care: Practical Solutions
April 27
08:00 AM – 09:30 AM Session 6: Community Engagement
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Session 7: Drug Shortage
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Session 8: Oncology Leaders’ Approach to Cancer Health Disparities
01:00 PM – 02:30 PM Session 9: Clinical Trials & Research Diversity
02:45 PM – 04:15 PM Session 10: Global Oncology
April 28
09:00 AM – 10:30 AM Session 12: Debate: Is Universal Healthcare A Solution to U.S. Healthcare Disparities?
About the Binaytara Foundation
The Binaytara Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to improving access to cancer care by developing and implementing innovative projects in underserved areas. Co-founders Dr. Binay and Tara Shah believe every human being should have access to cutting-edge, evidence-based, and culturally appropriate health care. To fulfill its vision, the foundation supports several major projects and programs. It is the leading provider of hematology and oncology continuing education (CME/CE) for physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals in the U.S. and globally. It is building upon its current 25-bed hospital in Nepal to create a 200-bed cancer hospital for the region. For more information visit here.
Press Contact:
Stacia Kirby, 206-478-5841
