EP254: Mary O’Connor - Women’s Health Disparities

Health Coach Conversations

For far too long, women have faced disparities in healthcare that put their well-being at risk. Today’s guest, Dr. Mary O’Connor, has seen firsthand how the healthcare system often fails to meet women’s unique needs. She has dedicated her career to addressing health disparities that negatively impact women. She shares her insights on why women do not always receive the same quality of care as men and how health coaches and other wellness practitioners can support women facing health disparities.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Health disparities faced by women, particularly women in rural areas

• The role of social determinants of health and access to healthcare in creating disparities

• How sex and gender impact medical conditions and access to care

• The reason why women do not receive the same health care as men

• Importance of considering sex in medical research

• Dr. Mary’s book Taking Care of You to empower women to address their health disparities

• Role of education, social support between women, and advocacy in addressing health disparities

• Actions healthcare practitioners can take to support women facing disparities

Memorable Quotes

• “A health disparity is when a certain group of people don’t receive the same quality of health care as another group.”

• “Self-love is important, and being comfortable with yourself and your body is very important. But that doesn’t mean it’s healthy for you. Being overweight and being obese is not healthy for you.”

• “You need to find a doctor or nurse practitioner that you trust. And that means someone who will listen to you.”

• “As women, we are painted with this umbrella, that we exaggerate our symptoms, that we’re histrionic. And so, when women talk about concerns or problems in the traditional system, they get diminished, minimized… it’s important that your doctor, nurse believe what you’re telling them.”

BIO:

Mary I. O’Connor, MD, is co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Vori Health, a nationwide virtual-first physician-led musculoskeletal medical practice offering a biopsychosocial model of care. She is Chair of the Board of Directors of Movement is Life, a nonprofit coalition committed to advancing health equity. Her recent book, “Taking Care of You: The Empowered Woman’s Guide to Better Health” (Mayo Clinic Press 2022), supports women taking charge of their own health. A recipient of the Diversity Awards of both the American Academy of Orthopaedical Surgery and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons as well as the Mayo Clinic Distinguished Clinician Award, she is Professor Emerita of Orthopedic Surgery at Mayo Clinic and past Professor of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation at Yale School of Medicine. Dr. O’Connor is past chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Mayo Clinic in Florida and past president of numerous orthopedic societies. An Olympian (US Women’s Rowing), she is passionate in her promotion of the power of sports for girls and women and the benefits to all of physical activity.

Mentioned In This Episode:

The Recipe Book for WOMEN'S HEALTH: https://tcywomen.org

Better Healthcare for EVERY woman: https://www.1millionmorewomen.org

Links to resources:

Health Coach Group Website https://www.thehealthcoachgroup.com/ Use the code HCC50 to save $50 on our website

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