What Challenges Are Faced in the Clinical Care of Underserved Populations?

Prof. Dr. Gabriele Fischer

Director, Addiction Clinic, Center of Public Health and Department of Psychiatry & Psychotherapy, Medical University Vienna, Austria

Prof. Gretchen Birbeck

Rykenboer Professor of Neurology at the University of Rochester, New York, USA. Consultant at Zambia’s University Teaching Hospitals Children’s Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. Director for the Chikankata Epilepsy Care Team in Mazabuka, Zambia

This video explores the impact of stigma on vulnerable populations, particularly in the context of psychiatric and neurological disorders. Professors Gabriele Fischer and Gretchen Birbeck discuss how stigma affects access to care, socioeconomic challenges, and how gender and power dynamics can exacerbate these issues. They highlight the critical role of education for healthcare providers in reducing stigma and improving care for under-recognized populations. The conversation touches on strategies like integrating psychiatric care into general hospital settings and advocating for systemic change to increase accessibility for marginalized groups.