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A surgeon with deep experience researching health disparities related to breast cancer will share insights and new perspective on Wednesday, Feb. 23, at 6 p.m.

Kathie-Ann Joseph, MD, MPH, Professor of Surgery at NYU Langone/NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Chief of Breast Services at Bellevue Hospital in New York City, is scheduled to present

The virtual talk is part of the Dr. L.D. Britt Diversity, Health Equity and Disparities Lecture Series and funded by a grant from the Hampton Roads Community Foundation.

During the session, Dr. Joseph will speak directly to healthcare providers who treat cancer patients about the need to see patients as fully realized individuals with their own set of needs.

“Each cancer patient brings a unique and complex set of social challenges that are important to understand if we are going to manage that patient successfully,” Dr. Joseph says. “Moreover, suppose we are discussing health inequities and barriers to screening. In that case, as the medical community, we have to step outside the clinical arena and meet women where they are and understand their needs. We can’t keep discussing it in a conference room and expect to see a change.”

This topic, Dr. Joseph adds, is important on a personal and professional level. “In my years of practice, I have seen so many women of color present with advanced breast cancer that could have easily been treated if diagnosed earlier,” she says. “Many times, the delay is because of fear. Other times, women simply don’t know where to get help.”