Track 1-2
Clinical

Community Collaboration: An Essential Resource for the Efficient Care for Immigrant Patients

Medical centers and managed care systems providing care for immigrant communities are challenged by the large burden of illness experienced by members of these communities. Clinics and medical staff are further challenged by the distinct linguistic and cultural expressions of illness by immigrant patients. Harborview Medical Center collaborates with seven Asian and African communities and with them has developed strategies to enhance access, increase understanding, and improve clinical efficiency. Community members employed by the medical center as cultural mediators help manage complex patients, educate communities, educate providers, and adapt the health system where needed to accommodate community dynamics. The community leadership advising these programs advocates for the medical center in the community and guides the programs in productive directions.

J. Carey Jackson, MD, MPH, MA
Medical Director, International Medicine Clinic,
Harborview Medical Center
325 9^th Avenue, Box 359780
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: (206) 731-3381
Fax: (206) 731-8247
jacksonc@u.washington.edu

J. Carey Jackson has extensive experience as a clinician and advocate serving culturally diverse communities. He received his training in medicine and anthropology at Michigan State University, and has held clinical positions in a variety of organizations including Kaiser Permanente and Harborview Medical Center. He currently is the Director of the Community House Calls Program, and Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington.  NEXT >

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