In today’s complex healthcare landscape, how can pediatric otolaryngologists help more children access evidence-based, quality care? In this episode, Dr. Jill D’Souza, pediatric otolaryngologist at Children’s Hospital of New Orleans, discusses pediatric health equity in the Gulf South with hosts Dr. Gopi Shah and Dr. Ashley Agan.

---

SYNPOSIS

First, Dr. D’Souza defines the “Gulf South” to include parts of Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida panhandle. Challenges to healthcare delivery in this region include rural settings, high poverty rates, and difficulties funding out-of-state Medicaid patients. Then, using tonsillectomy and tracheostomy as examples, Dr. D’Souza explains how social factors complicate access to care. She shares her successes connecting underprivileged children to the care they need. Finally, the episode concludes with her thoughts on how interprofessional teamwork powers better pediatric ENT care.

---

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

02:17 - Challenges in Pediatric ENT Care

05:43 - Healthcare Inequities in the Gulf South

10:38 - Tracheostomy Education in Rural, Resource-Limited Settings

21:33 - Helping Patients Tackle Financial Challenges

26:52 - Caring for All in Public Hospitals

37:57 - Keeping the Big Picture in Mind

---

RESOURCES

PearsonRavitz

https://pearsonravitz.com/

Dr. Jill D’Souza’s LSU Health Profile: https://www.medschool.lsuhsc.edu/otorhinolaryngology/dsouza_jill.aspx