In this episode, Dr. Kevin Sykes, PhD, MPH, director of clinical research at Baylor Scott & White Health in Dallas, explores health equity research in otolaryngology with host Dr. Gopi Shah.

First, Dr. Sykes underscores how historical injustices contribute to health disparities seen today, using differences in life expectancy as an example. He then addresses challenges with assessing head & neck cancer outcomes, including small sample sizes, limited community participation, and data aggregation. Speaking to study design, Dr. Sykes shares his experience working with community health workers, whom he finds invaluable for their ability to build relationships with research participants. Finally, Dr. Shah and Dr. Sykes brainstorm how health equity research can shape public health policies and medical education.

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SHOW NOTES

00:00 – Introduction

01:29 – Understanding Health Equity Research

09:44 – The Role of Social Determinants in Health Equity

12:00 – The Importance of Community Representation in Research

14:34 – Challenges in Health Equity Research

17:32 – The Role of Community Health Workers in Research

26:00 – Designing a Health Equity Research Study

30:48 – The Role of Qualitative Data in Health Equity Research

32:39 – Understanding Racial Differences in Treatment Choices

33:30 – The Power of Qualitative Data in Uncovering Lived Experiences

35:32 – The Rigor and Challenges of Qualitative Research

42:35 – The Impact of Health Equity Research on Policy and Advocacy

48:33 – The Role of Medical Education in Health Equity Research

56:54 – Resources and Recommendations for Health Equity ResearcH

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RESOURCES

Backtable ENT Episode 98, “Health Equity Collaborative in ENT with Dr. Alexander Chiu and Dr. Romaine Johnson:” https://www.backtable.com/shows/ent/podcasts/98/health-equity-collaborative-in-ent

Backtable ENT Episode 31, “Mentorship Feedback & Coaching with Dr. Carrie Francis:” https://www.backtable.com/shows/ent/podcasts/31/mentorship-feedback-coaching

Backtable ENT Episode 129, “American Head and Neck Society Scholarship for Underrepresented Minority Medical Students with Dr. Tammara Watts:” https://www.backtable.com/shows/ent/podcasts/129/american-head-neck-society-scholarship-for-underrepresented-minority-medical-students