Sara Mathew of Weill Cornell Medicine On 5 Things We Must Do To Improve Patient Outcomes for Underrepresented Populations
Reduce Digital Divide and Enhance digital literacy. Most populations in underserved areas do not have access to fast uninterrupted internet and cannot afford smart devices like iPhones or laptops to access virtual care. Through federal and state funding, these should be made available along with training on how to use them effectively. A community health center in Brooklyn on whose board I served for several years provided prepaid phone cards and made a dedicated area in their space so patients can use the computers and iPads in the facility for their video visits.
Healthcare disparities continue to affect underrepresented populations, leading to unequal patient outcomes. Social, economic, and cultural barriers often hinder access to care, appropriate treatments, and equitable health services. How can we bridge these gaps and ensure that all patients, regardless of background, receive the highest standard of care? In this interview series, we are talking to healthcare providers, policy makers, community leaders, researchers, and anyone who is an authority about “How We Can Improve Patient Outcomes for Underrepresented Populations”. As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Sara Mathew.
Sara Mathew is a healthcare executive and board member with over a decade of leadership experience at top academic institutions in the country, including Mount Sinai Health System and New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine. She is recognized for her expertise in improving access to care, and building clinical programs that drive profitability and address gaps in the market. Sara, who was named one of the 40 Under 40 Leaders in Health in 2023 and a Crain’s Notable Healthcare Leader, is passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders in the field and creating solutions to reduce healthcare disparities.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into our interview, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
My mother was my introduction to healthcare and the inspiration behind my decision to pursue it as a profession. She was a nurse in India and later transitioned into hospital administration. Her passion for helping others and the fulfillment she found in her work, despite the long and unpredictable hours, inspired me to choose this profession. As a child, I would shadow her at the hospital, experiencing firsthand how healthcare delivery functioned and the impact she made on the lives of the people she interacted with. This experience from my childhood shaped my desire to become a leader in healthcare administration and to follow a path that allows me to make a difference in people’s lives.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
One of the most interesting moments in my career happened when I interviewed for the role of Administrator at the Trauma and Burn Center at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine. I clearly remember walking through the Burn Unit and seeing photos from 9/11, when victims and firefighters were treated there. It immediately took me back to when I was in 7th grade in India, doing my homework and watching the news coverage of the 9/11 tragedy, including footage of that very burn center. Never would I have imagined that 15 years later, I would be in healthcare administration and I’d be leading this same renowned center, a place that had such a profound impact on me as a child.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
One of my life’s guiding principles is to embrace curiosity and humility. This helped me excel especially in a dynamic field like hospital management where constant changes and innovations disrupt the delivery and payment of healthcare. By seeking opportunities to learn/shadow and not being afraid to ask questions, I developed my skills to lead and create meaningful impact in healthcare.
Another phrase close to my heart is “I didn’t come this far to only come this far.” I always use this to motivate me especially during challenging times and persevere towards my goal.
How would you define an “excellent healthcare provider”?
As a leader on the healthcare delivery side, I would like to define an excellent healthcare leader as someone who understands the needs of the community they serve, enables collaboration across diverse disciplines and entities within society, and demonstrates strategic vision and financial acumen in driving initiatives that enhance efficiency in healthcare outcomes while maintaining the highest standards of care.
What are your favorite books, podcasts, or resources that inspire you to be a better healthcare leader? Can you explain why you like them?
Among my favorite books are The Big Life by Ann Shoket and My Life in Full by Indra Nooyi. Both books talk about the importance of embracing one’s authentic self, being ambitious and resilient, and excelling in our respective careers. They also highlight the value of designing a life beyond work, making time for other passions, nurturing relationships, and mentoring the next generation of leaders. Besides the books, Becker’s Healthcare Review has been my daily staple for the latest news, trends, and informative articles on healthcare and hospitals across the nation. This is why it was such an honor to be named by Becker’s last year as one of the 40 emerging leaders in healthcare.
Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that will help people?
I am developing a pipeline program to build partnerships with colleges, particularly in boroughs outside Manhattan, to encourage students from underrepresented communities to pursue research careers. The program will provide them with a few months of training on research fundamentals, followed by opportunities to shadow professionals in my department and develop skills to become a research coordinator. This initiative will increase workforce diversity which is one of the most effective ways to address health inequities, while also ensuring a steady supply of trained research personnel who will help to maintain continuity of services.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the main focus of our interview.
What are the primary barriers that underrepresented populations face when seeking healthcare?
Underrepresented populations often live in areas with limited access to primary care providers, mental health professionals, and specialists. Many are either underinsured or face high out-of-pocket expenses and deductibles, making healthcare difficult to afford. These communities also frequently lack access to stable housing, reliable employment, and nutritious food. Language barriers further complicate communication and the ability to access critical health information. During my time as a board member for Bridging Access to Care in Brooklyn, I was struck by the number of people without internet access or smartphones/laptops at home, which limited their ability to participate in virtual care — a service that has increasingly replaced in-person visits since the COVID-19 pandemic.
How can healthcare providers build trust with patients from diverse backgrounds, especially in communities that have historically experienced medical neglect or discrimination?
Building trust with diverse communities begins with increasing the diversity of the healthcare workforce to better reflect the populations they serve. A workforce that mirrors the community’s racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds can significantly enhance patient trust and engagement.
Collecting data on race, ethnicity, and language at various registration and admission points within the health system allows us to better understand who is using our services and identify areas for improvement in patient care.
It is essential that all staff, especially clinical providers, receive training in cultural sensitivity and this training should be an integral part of their onboarding and continued education. Ongoing observation and feedback during this period will ensure that they develop the skills to provide culturally competent care.
Healthcare providers must be open and accepting of various cultures, religions, and regional differences, and recognize how these factors shape perceptions of healthcare. Understanding these nuances helps providers communicate more effectively with patients and their families, fostering an environment where patients feel comfortable asking questions and engaging in their care.
What role does cultural competence play in improving patient outcomes, and how can medical professionals be better trained to meet the needs of underrepresented groups?
Each culture has a unique historic perspective on healthcare, disease, and healing. Understanding these cultural beliefs can help providers become aware and incorporate them into patients’ treatment plans thus inculcating trust and improving treatment compliance. Cultural competence should also educate providers about the various incidences of different diseases by gender, age, and race. This knowledge will help them to take the necessary steps for faster diagnosis and effective prevention planning.
Can you share any successful strategies or programs that have been implemented to reduce health disparities and improve outcomes for underserved communities?
Multiple successful strategies and programs have been implemented by my institution to reduce health disparities and improve outcomes in underserved communities. We engaged administrative leaders, researchers, and outreach workers, and collaborated with local institutions in underserved areas, on initiatives which have been effective in improving outcomes, increasing early detection, and continued long-term care. For example, we have partnered with trusted community hubs such as barbershops, churches, and local clinics for cancer screenings, helping to reach populations that may not typically seek healthcare services in our hospital. This approach has been highly effective in early detection of colorectal and breast cancers and providing them treatment right away. Our inpatient rehab centers refer patients being discharged to community centers for long-term counseling and continued rehabilitation which has reduced readmissions and improved their health outcomes. Mobile health units have also played a key role in bringing essential healthcare services such as preventive screenings, vaccinations, and health education directly to underserved areas.
How can technology and telemedicine be leveraged to reach underrepresented populations who may face geographic or financial barriers to traditional healthcare services?
Prior to discussing how technology and telemedicine can be leveraged to reach underrepresented populations, it is important to first address and combat the digital divide within these communities by ensuring access to high-speed internet, affordable smart devices and providing training on how to use telemedicine platforms.
Once these foundational needs are met, virtual healthcare platforms should be user-friendly and accessible and consider language barriers and physical challenges such as vision impairment. On demand health modules like seasonal healthy recipes, meditation exercises, stress-relief activities, and self-screening tutorials would be valuable resources. Telemedicine should also be integrated into community health centers which frequently serve underserved populations to make consultations with specialists in community or teaching hospitals more accessible. Wearables can play a significant role by monitoring vital signs and alerting patients when abnormalities are detected and can also offer guidance on seeking care at nearby urgent care or emergency departments. Technology and Telemedicine can make healthcare more accessible in underserved areas but also act as tools in prevention and overall well-being of the underrepresented populations.
As a “healthcare insider”, if you had the power to make a change, can you share 5 changes that need to be made to improve patient outcomes for underrepresented populations? Please share a story or example for each.
1. Integrate Primary Health Services within Community Centers, Schools, and Religious Institutions
One of the greatest barriers to care for underrepresented populations is access to care and being underinsured. By embedding primary health services directly within community hubs such as schools, community health centers, and places of worship we can bring healthcare to the community to places they trust traditionally. For example, I’ve seen the success of mobile health units that visit churches and schools in underserved areas, providing free vaccinations to health screenings.
2. Expand Access to Virtual Mental Health Services
There is a lack of qualified mental health providers in cities and furthermore in rural areas. Seeking mental health services is stigmatized, especially in underrepresented communities. Placing licensed mental health practitioners in community health centers through federal funding will be beneficial and also providing the option of mental health services through video visits will help expand coverage and allow for discretion. During COVID, the pivot from in-person to virtual visits and increasingly employers providing mental health benefits along with health and dental insurance has helped people in all areas.
3. Increase Federal Funding for Research on Health Disparities
Research on health disparities is crucial to understanding the incidence of various diseases on various population subtypes and developing solutions for early detection and treatment. I was part of a research team that secured NIH funding for multiple studies addressing disparities in breast cancer incidence and promoting diversity in healthcare workforce. More funding for such studies will help us develop targeted interventions that address the root causes of health inequities and improve patient outcomes.
4. Ensure Quicker Access to Breakthrough Therapies and Clinical Trials
Many underrepresented populations do not live in the proximity of academic medical centers that conduct clinical trials and are therefore left out of them, limiting their access to cutting-edge therapies. We are hiring research coordinators and placing them in community hospitals where underrepresented populations seek care to create awareness of the trials and increase participation.
5. Reduce Digital Divide and Enhance digital literacy
Most populations in underserved areas do not have access to fast uninterrupted internet and cannot afford smart devices like iPhones or laptops to access virtual care. Through federal and state funding, these should be made available along with training on how to use them effectively. A community health center in Brooklyn on whose board I served for several years provided prepaid phone cards and made a dedicated area in their space so patients can use the computers and iPads in the facility for their video visits.
What specific steps can be taken to ensure that medical research and clinical trials are more inclusive of underrepresented groups, and why is this important for improving overall patient outcomes?
Clinical trials for new drugs, devices, or therapies are often conducted at academic medical centers which most people from underrepresented populations, may not have easy access to. To increase diversity of enrollment, the academic hospitals should partner with community hospitals and clinics to raise awareness about these clinical trials and facilitate participation for interested patients. More federal funding should be allocated for studies focused on the outcomes of diseases in minority populations. Workforce diversity is essential for building trust within communities, which can help encourage greater participation in clinical trials and pipeline programs to encourage students from underserved areas to pursue careers in research coordination should be established.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
If I could inspire a movement to create the greatest impact for the most people, it would be establishing community-based healthcare ecosystems in partnership with local schools, community centers, and religious institutions. Each community would have their core set of health services like primary care, OB-GYN, dental, vision, nutrition, and mental health — all in one stop shop style accessible hub. These ecosystems would be supported by a collaboration between federal and state governments, local hospitals, and healthcare organizations, and governed by community representatives. Key health and wellness metrics for the people and community would be tracked for accountability and continuous improvement. By making essential care easily accessible in every zip code, we could significantly improve health outcomes, reduce disparities, and foster healthier and happier populations.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
They can follow my journey on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sara-mathew.
Thank you so much for these insights! This was very inspirational and we wish you continued success in your great work.
Sara Mathew of Weill Cornell Medicine On 5 Things We Must Do To Improve Patient Outcomes for… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.