Full course description
Differences in health and health risks exist across race and ethnicity, age, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and many other dimensions. Importantly, such health disparities can be perpetuated by inequitable or unfair differences in the social determinants of health.
Estimated Hours to Complete: 24
This microcredential course will introduce fundamental principles and practice of health disparities and health inequity affecting populations across multiple dimensions. The overarching goal is to impart on learners an integrated understanding of theoretical framework of health disparities that can be used in practice. The theoretical framework is aligned with National Institutes of Health's (NIH) National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) Research Framework. Concepts will include defining health disparities and health equity, basic methods of measuring heath differences, influences of social determinants, current issues in health disparities, and developing interventions to address health disparities.
Requirements
There are no prerequisites for participation in this course.
Course Faculty:
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Harlan Jones, Ph.D. Dr. Jones is the Director of the Institute for Health Disparities and Professor of Immunology in the College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences at the University of North Texas Health. Dr. Jones conducts biomedical and health disparity research to identify mechanisms of disease involved in chronic disease where adverse stress is a factor across the life course. His research program has identified novel mechanisms through which neuroendocrine factors mediate host cellular immune and respiratory inflammatory responses associated with asthma, infection and lung cancer. Dr. Jones is a recipient of the UNT Health Outstanding Graduate Faculty Award and National Role Model Award and is a National Institutes of Health HEARD Scholar funded by the National Institutes of Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) Endowment of University of North Texas Health. Dr. Jones believes strongly in promoting continuing education and professional development for undergraduate, graduate and early-stage investigators. Dr. Jones currently teaches in the College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences as an instructor in Immunology and Director of Introduction to Health Disparities Core Course in the Master Medical Sciences program. He serves as a Master Mentoring Facilitator of the National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN) and directs grant writing coaching and professional development training programs across the country. |
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Riyaz Basha, Ph.D., FADLM Riyaz Basha is a tenured Professor and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Pediatrics and Women’s Health at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, TX, USA. He also serves as the Director of the Pediatric Research Program in Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Director of Research at the Institute for Health Disparities. Dr. Basha’s research focuses on improving cancer therapies while minimizing side effects, with a strong emphasis on translational science and the principle of “bench to bedside.” He collaborates closely with physicians and scientists and is supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health, the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, and several non-profit foundations.
He has received recognition for his research, including research presentation awards from the Society of Toxicology and the Best Presentation Award at the International Conference on Drug Discovery and Therapy in Dubai. Dr. Basha has co-authored more than 100 publications, served as Guest Editor for several journals, and edited three academic books. He is the Scientific Editor for the European Journal of Biology and serves on the Editorial Boards of Scientific Reports and the Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences. He is also an active member and fellow of several professional societies, including the Association of Biotechnology and Pharmacy and the Association for Diagnostics and Laboratory Medicine Academy. |
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Nolan Kline, Ph.D. Nolan Kline is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Behavior and Health Systems in the School of Public Health at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. He was previously an Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Co-Coordinator of the Global Health Program at Rollins College. His book, “Pathogenic Policing: Immigration Enforcement and Health in the US South,” was released in 2019 and he is currently the principal investigator of a study funded by the National Science Foundation focused on LGBTQ+ activism after the Pulse shooting in Orlando, Florida. He received his PhD in Applied Anthropology and a master of public health (MPH) from the University of South Florida. His research areas broadly include health equity and social determinants of health, and he has expertise in immigrant policing and health, LGBTQ+ Latinx legal mobilization, immigration and health policy, and sexual health focusing on human papillomavirus. Much of his research is informed by theories of biopolitics, critical race theory, and the political economy of health. As an applied, medical anthropologist, his work intersects with public health, policy, and activism. |
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Erika Thompson, Ph.D. Erika Thompson, is an Associate Professor in the UT School of Public Health San Antonio at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Dr. Thompson's research is centered on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and prevention. HPV prevention is critical for reducing cancer morbidity and mortality, specifically cervical, anogenital, and oropharyngeal cancers. Using mixed-methods approaches, she has examined HPV vaccine decision-making, school-entry policies, and alternative health care providers and settings for HPV prevention. Additionally, her research has focused on reproductive health issues, such as contraceptive needs and access among women experiencing homelessness. Finally, her work involves examining social determinants for maternal and child health issues in our community, such as housing insecurity, early childhood education, and violence. Dr. Thompson is a Fellow of the American Academy of Health Behavior and currently serves on the Board of Directors as the Secretary. She is also active in the American Public Health Association, Cancer Alliance of Texas, Texas HPV Coalition, and the Delta Omega Honor Society in Public Health. Finally, she is on the advisory board for the Texas Cancer Registry. |
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Amanda English, Dr.PH Dr. English is a servant leader committed to enhancing the community's health. A data-oriented, strategic thinker with the ability to establish and sustain partnerships with various stakeholders to meet the needs of the community. A perpetual student, always inquiring and learning more about all aspects of life. Prior to leaving UNT Health, Dr. English served as Associate Director for Community Engagement, Dr. English is responsible for community engagement efforts that focus on minority health and health disparities across the organization. Her previous professional experience included serving as Senior Program Manager, in the Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research at UT Health in Houston and program managerial roles at non-profit organizations and large healthcare systems. Dr. English holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology from the University of Texas at Arlington, a master’s degree in Public Health with a concentration in Behavioral and Community Health from UNT Health, and a Doctor of Public Health from Walden University. Dr. English has been a Certified Health Education Specialist since 2010, obtaining Masters’ level in 2018. |
Accreditation and Credit Designation Statement
AOA Physician Accreditation and Designation Statements
The University of North Texas Health Science Center is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to award continuing medical education to physicians.
The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth designates this program for a maximum of 7 AOA Category 2B credits and will report CME and specialty credits commensurate with the extent of the physician’s participation in this activity.
Joint Accreditation and Designation Statements
In support of improving patient care, The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Physician Designation Statement (AMA)
The University of North Texas Health Science Center designates this live activity for a maximum of 7 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Nurses Designation Statement
This activity provides up to 7 contact hour(s).
Pharmacists Designation Statement
This application-based activity has been assigned UAN# JA-0004637-0000-2201-H04-P and will award 7 contact hours of continuing pharmacy education credit in states that recognize ACPE Providers.
Statements of participation will indicate hours and CEUs based on participation and will be issued online at the conclusion of the activity. Successful completion includes completing the activity, its accompanying evaluation and/or posttest (score 70% or higher) and requesting credit online at the conclusion of the activity. Credit will be uploaded to CPE Monitor, and participants may print a statement of credit or transcript from their NABP e-profile. UNTHSC complies with the Accreditation Standards for Continuing Pharmacy Education.
Social Work Professionals
As a Jointly Accredited Organization, The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. Social workers completing this course receive 7 General continuing education credits.
Certified Public Health Professionals
This activity is approved for 7 credit(s) accepted by the National Board of Public Health Examiners' Certified Public Health (CPH) recertification program.
HSC Participation Credit
The University of North Texas Health Science Center certifies this activity for 7 hours of participation.
ADA Compliance
If you require special assistance to participate in this activity, please call (817)735-2539 or email: register@unthsc.edu.
An Equal Opportunity University.