Race and Medicine

Medicine and race have been linked since time immemorial. In the past 100-150 years, records have been maintained recording health disparities between white and nonwhite individuals, and the impact of race on access to medical care. Most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted disparities in access to health care, treatment and outcomes. In this lecture, we will review examples of the impact of race on medical treatment and discuss well-known cases that have impacted medicine and the medical field in the United States and abroad. 

Paloma Vargas (she/they/ella), PhD, is the dean of mathematics, science, health education, kinesiology and athletics at Oxnard College, a 2-year public Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). In her capacity as dean, Vargas works with administration, faculty and staff to determine best practices in serving diverse student populations. She often serves as a facilitator and trainer for faculty at HSIs in centering equity with a particular focus on inclusivity in STEM.

Vargas previously served as a biology faculty member, researcher, HSI director, science coordinator and STEM adviser at private and public institutions. 

The Fifty and Better (FAB) program was designed for people 50 years of age and older, seeking intellectual stimulation through university-level courses — without the pressure of grades — for the sake of learning and social engagement.

Register

Register by 3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2