While we have made great strides in longevity through public health measures and clinical interventions, the U.S. life expectancy is far lower than that of countries of comparable wealth and is dropping. There are data indications that a large proportion of this is related to wealth disparities in the U.S., as well as the significant influence of racial discrimination, which impacts the stability of DNA through epigenetics. For PAs to help mitigate health disparities, this session will connect the etiology of disease with social determinants of health and epigenetics and provide participants with tools to counteract the effects of discrimination on the patients we serve.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Describe the concept of social epigenetics and how it impacts specific patient populations
• Discuss the concept of weathering as it relates to the more rapid onset of disability and death in communities suffering from discrimination
• Given a clinical case, describe concrete measures a PA can take to partner with patients and their families and communities to mitigate the harm of social discrimination