HEALTH FIRST Interventional Cardiologist Thierry Momplaisir joined WESH 2 News to discuss the importance of diversity in healthcare offices and hospitals as a means of extending care and awareness to underserved populations.

Studies have demonstrated that patients taken care of by providers who look like them or share similar backgrounds experience better health outcomes, says Health First Interventional Cardiologist Thierry Momplaisir, MD.

Poor and minority communities often experience greater need and worse health outcomes, he says, in part, because their access to care is limited, and part of that “is based on their understand of the healthcare system.”

“It’s critical that patients do understand the signs and symptoms of heart disease and know exactly when to come to the hospital,” he said.

Heart disease is a leading killer of Americans across all backgrounds and socioeconomic status.

“Health literacy” in low-income and minority communities is important because a lot of the harms those most at risk face can be mitigated “through education, diet, exercise and also improved choices in healthcare systems.”

“I am so proud to be part of the Health First group here. We have an excellent cardiovascular program. And my goal is to really help improve access to care for our underserved communities. We're actually going to close the gap.”