Were you aware that April is National Minority Health Month? The theme for 2022 is, "Give Your Community a Boost!" This particular subject matter puts emphasis on the significance of COVID-19 vaccination in addition to advancing health equity for communities of color. As a health nonprofit organization, the MGA is always looking for ways to expand our reach so that we can support all of those affected by myasthenia gravis. We recently sat down with Dr. Tania Papsdorf, our partner at our newest clinic in Springfield, MO, to discuss her perspective on the importance of highlighting minority health.
A little bit about Dr. Papsdorf-- Dr. Papsdorf grew up in Wichita, Kansas after coming from El Salvador at the age of 6. With a degree in biology and creative writing at Kansas State University, Dr. Papsdorf then went to medical school at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Her neurology residency and neuromuscular fellowship were completed at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill where she trained with Dr. James F. Howard Jr., a well-known neurologist in the myasthenia world. In 2013, Dr. Papsdorf moved to Springfield, MO where she started the ALS Clinic of the Ozarks as well as the Myasthenia Gravis Clinic at Cox Health. When not busy working, Dr. Papsdorf enjoys running, yoga, baking cakes, and spending time with her husband (also her high school sweetheart!) and two kids.
Meet Dr. Tania Papsdorf
April is National Minority Health Month. What are some of the first few things that come to your mind when you hear the words, minority health?
TP: I think about focusing on the implicit biases we all have (according to science) and acknowledging those as health care professionals so that we can do better.
This year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health is highlighting the vital role organizations play in reducing health disparities in addition to improving the health of racial and ethnic minority and American Indian/Alaska Native communities. What sort of role do you see nonprofit organizations like us here at the Myasthenia Gravis Association playing in advancing health equity for such populations?
TP: I believe that organizations like MGA can continue to feature minority physicians as research shows that often minority groups trust doctors who could possibly share the same values and culture.
As a physician, you are in contact with patients every day. Given your experience working with patients on a daily basis and your history working with myasthenia gravis patients in particular, what is/are the biggest need(s) as you see it when it comes to supporting minorities that live with a rare disease?
TP: I think that communication is such a key portion of the doctor-patient relationship in MG no matter who they are due to the complicated nature of the disease and treatments. I can think of one patient in particular that has been challenging in keeping them out of the hospital due to their dialect not being available for translation.
What are we as a society “getting right” when it comes to improving medical care for and the health of minorities? How can we do better?
TP: Having months such as these that allow us to reflect on the advantages and disadvantages of patients is key to moving forward. The AAN has a section on Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, Anti-racism and Social Justice. These are important steps.
Do you have anything else you would like to add?
TP: I appreciate the opportunity to offer insight as both a minority woman myself and as a physician. I am proud to have grown up in the USA as this is the place where I was able to fulfill my dream to become a physician.