Disparity in Access and Poorer Health Status in Non-Majority Populations

Abstract

North America is a large, diverse continent, which has a longstanding history of inequality for its diverse population. These historical inequalities continue to impact health outcomes and access to healthcare for non-majority groups. To ensure the best healthcare outcomes for patients, pediatric orthopaedic surgeons must be aware of these inequities in order to combat them and minimize their effects. Key Concepts•Understanding the history of systemic inequalities in our healthcare system is key to understanding our present situation.•These historical inequities affect all fields of medicine, including pediatric orthopaedics.•As pediatric orthopaedic surgeons, we have a responsibility to take an active role in moving toward full health equity.

Figure 1

Dr. John Fryer, a.k.a. “Dr. Henry Anonymous,” right, during the 1972 annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association in Dallas, TX. Dr. Fryer risked his career to speak out against the classification of homosexuality as a mental disorder.