Keynote Addresses

Dr. Richard A. Williams

The Honorable Robert Dole

The National Institute of Health defines disparities in healthcare as, “the differences in the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and burden of diseases and other adverse health conditions that exist among specific population groups in the United States.” African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and Asian Americans are among America's affected minority populations, which leaves them less likely to receive proper and timely treatment, thus suffering negative health outcomes and higher mortality rates. Race and ethnicity are not the only source of disparities — geographic factors, such as remote, rural locations also leave populations at risk of poor quality healthcare due to limited access.

For these reasons, we must bring awareness, sensitivity, urgency and procedures for clinical application to the forefront NOW to make a difference and close the gap on disparities in healthcare.



Opening Ceremony
Thursday, 8:00am - 9:30am
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Richard Allen Williams, MD
Guest Speaker: The Honorable Robert Dole



SMA/SMA Alliance Presidents’ Breakfast Symposium
The Disparity Dilemma: Where Do We Go from Charlotte?
Sunday, 8:00am - 10:30am
Moderator/Activity Chair/Presenter: Dr. Richard Allen Williams, MD
Guest Speakers: Joseph Betancourt, MPH, MD; Kristy Woods, MPH, MD; and Brian Smedley, PhD, MPH