Care for the Whole Patient: A Pathway to Thriving Communities

In August, a study by U.S. News and World Report ranked the health of nearly 3,000 U.S. counties, revealing a concerning trend for Arizona. None of the state’s 15 counties made it into the top 500, with only two scoring above the national average.

The pressing need for healthcare providers to accommodate Arizona’s growing population has sparked significant dialogue. In response, Creighton University expanded its footprint in Phoenix with the opening of the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Health Sciences Building in 2021. This facility currently serves as a hub for over 850 students training to become future healthcare leaders.

Nevertheless, increasing personnel alone will not resolve the broader clinical staffing shortages. U.S. News’ study highlighted disparities within Arizona, showing Maricopa County, with a population of around 4.4 million, scoring 55 out of 100. In stark contrast, Apache County, which has a population of roughly 66,000, received a mere score of 5.

Among the various metrics evaluated in the report was population health, which assesses the wellbeing of specific groups rather than the community overall. This approach highlights the needs of marginalized populations, drawing attention to issues tied to socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and other significant factors.

The Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers pointed out that these social determinants can contribute to significant health challenges, such as substance abuse and untreated mental health issues. Addressing only symptoms without tackling the underlying causes can leave many vulnerable individuals without the comprehensive care they require.

Creighton University’s educational mission includes preparing healthcare leaders to treat the whole patient. As part of this effort, the university established the Institute for Population Health last October. A recent symposium in Phoenix brought together national experts to explore innovative approaches to these pressing population health challenges.

In collaboration with the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Foundation, Creighton University’s School of Medicine and College of Professional and Continuing Education launched the Healthcare Leadership Academy, with its inaugural class set to graduate in November. This program, offering flexible learning options for healthcare professionals, aims to nurture continuous growth and adaptation in the healthcare landscape.

Public-private partnerships play a crucial role in addressing healthcare gaps in Arizona. While Creighton University is committed to enhancing healthcare education and accessibility, such progress demands collective efforts. Effectively serving a growing population and tackling its disparities necessitates a united approach.

By concentrating on healthcare education and population health initiatives, Arizona can significantly impact not just workforce shortages but the overall health of its communities. Building a network of innovative healthcare leaders is essential for long-term improvement.

With collective efforts, a healthier, more equitable future is within reach.

The Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, SJ, Ph.D., serves as the 25th president of Creighton University, which is among the largest Catholic health professions educators in the U.S., with nearly 8,500 students across multiple campuses.