Welcome to Season 2 of UPMED: The Journal of Healthcare's Race To The Bottom with your host, Dr. Erica Rowe Urquhart. We kick off Season 2 with a thought-provoking episode. In this episode, your host, Dr. Erica Rowe Urquhart sits down with the incredibly accomplished Dr. Kecia Ford. Dr. Ford is an internist with multiple high-risk clinics in New York. They discuss Dr. Ford's unique journey from biomedical engineering to internal medicine, and delve into the challenges of providing quality healthcare in underserved communities. Learn about the innovative use of wearable medical technology in treating high-risk diabetes patients and the crucial role of public-private partnerships. Dr. Ford shares insightful stories of patient success, highlighting the indispensable value of education, private funding and advocacy in medicine.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Dr. Ford explains her journey into medicine.

• What is a FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Center)?

• Dr. Ford explains how recent technology helps her treat diabetic patients.

• Dr. Ford discusses the population dynamics in the communities surrounding her health center.

• Dr. Erica and Dr. Ford discuss how public/private partnerships help Dr. Ford provide quality care to their patients.

• 3 Challenges FQHC’s Face:

• 1. Environmental Challenges (access to better food sources)

• 2. Patient Financial and Health Challenges

• 3. Insurance Provider Formulary Challenges