As a medical oncologist at Norton Cancer Institute, I’ve seen remarkable advances in how we treat lung cancer. Lung cancers caught early can now often be successfully treated. Unfortunately, Kentucky has a massive lung cancer problem. We have the highest rate of lung cancer in the nation, and we rank 45th among the 49 states…
In a recent continuing medical education presentation, Kelly C. McCants, M.D., executive medical director, Norton Heart & Vascular Institute Advanced Heart Failure & Recovery Program, and executive director, Institute for Health Equity, a Part of Norton Healthcare, described the state of health care disparities in Louisville. He also detailed how vulnerable communities struggle, in particular…
Mental disorders are so common that 1 in 5 Americans will deal with mental illness at some point in their lives — and many of these conditions and related symptoms are treatable. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 47 million U.S. adults grappled with some type of mental, behavioral or emotional disorder…
Black people are nearly 3 times more likely to die of pregnancy-related complications than white people, and the alarming rate of maternal mortality and the racial gap in pregnancy loss and pregnancy-related deaths are nationwide public health concerns. The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on maternal mortality rates shows…
Norton Women’s Doula Program has community-based doulas who serve as a source of information, support and advocacy for patients. “Our doula program is the first of its kind in the region,” said Cara L. Bland, director of operations, Norton Medical Group. “While doulas are welcome in many birthing hospitals, this is the first program in…
Unconscious bias contributes to health disparities that can affect overall patient care and outcomes. To address unconscious bias in patient care, the goal should not be to become “race blind,” but to acknowledge race, Jessica Isom, M.D., MPH, a clinical instructor and faculty leader in social justice and health equity with the Yale School of…
Black Americans have the highest death rate and shortest survival rate of any racial or ethnic group in the U.S. for most cancers, according to a 2019 study. Lung cancer is the second most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in Black adults, according to the same study. The rate of new…
LGBTQ+ sexual health discussions may be particularly difficult for patients who’ve felt stigma and judgmental attitudes inside of health care and out. But as neglect can lead to harm, having these conversations in an atmosphere of trust is critical. “Sexual health is part of general health. It’s part of caring for the whole patient. People…
Pride Month offers an opportunity to reevaluate our health care standards to ensure we are practicing in a safe, supportive way for all patients. And, as we celebrate this month, it’s important we take this time to reflect, understand and learn in order to better provide more inclusive care. Affirming a patient’s identity We cannot…
There are some simple steps that providers can take in their practices that may make transgender and gender-diverse adolescents feel included, socially affirmed and more comfortable talking about their specific needs. One of the most important things a provider can do is ask patients their chosen name and the pronouns they use to refer to…
Norton Healthcare’s five hospitals and Norton Cancer Institute have been named LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leaders by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for the second year in a row. Norton Healthcare was one of 406 facilities nationwide to earn a top score of 100 points and receive the LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader designation. “Norton Healthcare was founded on a mission…
Diabetes, cancer and heart disease can affect African American patients in Kentucky and Indiana at higher rates than the general population. Recognizing the unique needs of these patients and the critical role a primary care provider plays in addressing them is critical to improving health outcomes in the African American community. Giavonne D. Rondo-Hillman, M.D.,…