AAPMD Social Justice Section
Members of the Social Justice section are practitioners from a variety of disciplines dedicated to understanding the unique circumstances of the underserved and devising ways to bring airway-related treatment to those communities.
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Who We Are
We believe that those in need of care for airway issues deserve a pathway. Our practitioners aim to make that happen in their local areas.
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This AAPMD section is comprised of interdisciplinary practitioners who recognize that the underserved have airway problems, that they live right in their own communities, and as a whole suffer more from mental illness, anxiety, and substance abuse.
Some of the contributing factors are obvious, like income and poverty — others not so much, i.e., their geographical locations (such as rural areas without easy access to care), culture, sexual orientation and disabilities.
Practitioners in the Social Justice section try to identify who these underserved are, as well as why and how they can be helped.
Section Leader
Pat McBride, PhD, CCSH
Pat McBride, PhD, CCSH, has spent 41 years as a full-time clinician and educator in the fields of dentistry, respiratory medicine and sleep medicine. Her extensive experience in clinical, laboratory, research and educational arenas has led to the development of interdisciplinary care model delivery systems used by physicians and dentists around the globe.
More on Dr. McBride
Pat’s publications span both medical and psychosocial spectrums. She has a unique ability to intervene in the interstices of global systems, developing protocols which can be translated across demographics and cultures into improved clinical outcomes.
In addition to being an AAPMD Executive Board Member, Pat is the Director of Education for the North American Association of Facial Orthotropics and is a facilitating advisor for Mymaskmovement.org, a company that uses 3D scanning through a simple phone app and digital fabrication to create reusable custom fitted respirators for men, women and children of all shapes, sizes and ethnicities affordably.
Pat continues to work hands on as a Clinical Lead providing Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator Implant therapy for patients with sleep apnea while lecturing internationally on subjects relating to breathing and sleep medicine, dentistry and precision medicine systems to best benefit all patient populations. Serving the underserved and marginalized patient remains a passion and priority for her.
Pat has one grown daughter who shares her passion and commitment to social justice and education, serving as a bilingual sixth grade teacher in the inner-city of Oakland, CA.
What We Do
We know that some of the most effective programs to tackle social issues often come from people at the local level. We aim to make that happen.
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Those treating the underserved understand that one small change can make an enormous difference, and that change does not come from the top.
Additionally, these practitioners recognize the importance of a compassionate care program and the necessity for a level of trust and credibility. And rather than dwell on the negative, these practitioners make a positive choice.
How We Do It
We convert ideas into action, developing initiatives to promote the treatment of airway issues in underserved communities.
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There are multiple ways to address the underserved and marginalized.
- When alumni giving, ask what percentage of the donations is earmarked for support for diversity and make clear that if it’s not a substantial amount, no donation will be given. If enough donors follow this practice, educational institutions will be forced to change their policies.
- In order to develop a level of trust and credibility, one cannot parachute care into cultures. The care must come from within; the care must be part and parcel of the community. Recognize young students wishing to go into healthcare professions and help them to get advanced education through mentoring programs. In that way they can go home to their communities as a trusted and credible practitioner.
- Take the FAH pledge HERE to screen, diagnose, and treat for airway issues and be willing to be listed as a resource for the public.
- Earmark a number of hours of your time to be used for pro bono work.
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