Health Inequality: America’s Chronic Condition
We may be impacted by health inequities without even knowing it. What does research tell us about health inequities? How can society contribute to resolving these inequities? What would our world look like without health inequities? The idea of health disparities has been socialized among public health advocates, but the concept of health inequities takes the focus further pointing out the systemic, avoidable, unjust, social and economic policies and practices that create barriers to health. Its opposite—health equity—is when everyone has the opportunity to attain their highest level of health. But in the U.S., this is merely theory.
Engrained health inequities are challenging Americans across the nation and are especially pronounced in South Texas. As a physician and executive with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Dr. López is passionate about health and wellness, and spends much of his time understanding the needs of vulnerable populations where racial and socioeconomic differences lead to inequities and subsequent disparities. Can we find a cure for America’s chronic condition?
About Esteban
Esteban López, MD, MBA serves as the Chief Medical Officer and Southwest Texas Market President for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, where he helps fulfill its mission to improve the health and wellbeing of its five million members. In addition to serving as the executive sponsor for Texas Government Programs, Dr. López leads the Community Investment Department in its long-term strategy to improve public health. Previously, Dr. López worked as a practicing physician, and he continues to maintain involvement in medical associations on a local, state, and national level. He also serves on the Witte Museum Board of Trustees and the San Antonio Mayor’s Fitness Council Executive Committee.
As an active member of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, he was elected as the 2017 Chair and currently participates on the Executive Board of Directors. He was one of sixty-one leaders selected from across the nation—and the only one representing South Texas—to join the prestigious ranks of the Presidential Leadership Scholars Program. Additionally Dr. López is a Director of the Texas Lyceum. Dr. López is dual board certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics with a Masters in Business Administration.
- Website – www.bcbstx.com/company-info/leadership
- Email – Esteban_Lopez@bcbstx.com
- Twitter – https://twitter.com/DrEstebanLopez
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