During the National Women’s Health Week, we take time to raise leaders who not only support change – but the construction of systems that make it possible to change. Dr. Nkem Okeke is one of these leaders. A doctor, businessman and member of the BWHI Board of Directors is at the forefront of healthcare innovation, who works to ensure that equality is not just an ambition, but a model. In this discussion, Dr. Okeke collapses the promise of care based on value, the importance of the new model in front of Maryland and why black women should be at the heart of the transformation of healthcare.
E1: Maryland is the first state to apply the model in front. What does this do so important now?
Dr. Okeke: We are at a turning point in health care. The front model represents a continuous shift from the treatment of disease to building systems that really support health, especially at the Community level. What excites me the most is the focus on the alignment of the results with the results, not just on the volume. This means that providers are rewarded to help people stay healthy, not for the number of visits or procedures they charge. In addition, because it is built on Maryland’s overall cost of care model, we already have a foundation that shows that it can work. Now, the challenge – and the opportunity – is to focus equality and viability on what we do.
E2: For people who may not be familiar, can you remove the concept of value based on value and why does it matter?
Dr. Okeke: Sure. Value-based care is exactly what is heard — a priority that gives priority price against volume. Instead of being paid for each test or visit, providers are encouraged to provide high quality, coordinated care that improves the results of patients. So if the chronic condition of a patient is better managed and avoids unnecessary ER visits, this is “value” … This is success.
From a health equality lens, this is deeply important. For a long time, black women have been navigated by a system that often overlooks our needs. Based on value could Change this – but only if it is applied to the culturally responsive practices and the baked accountability. The potential is there to eventually connect funding to the results that reflect us Health realities.
E3: You have worked in government, with private health systems, and now drive your own business, Medicalincs. Where do you see the greatest opportunity to close health gaps?
Dr. Okeke: Are in Connections. Between sectors, between humans and systems, and between data and experience. At MedicalIncs, we help health organizations to bridge these gaps. We look at how to bring the business strategy, care and health of the population to alignment, especially for inadequate communities. But none of them works without listening to the community and building trust. This is the part that is missing in many policy talks. And it’s one reason I am proud to serve on Board Bwhi – we keep the voices of black women in front and in the center where they belong. Black women make up 13% of the healthcare workforce (doctors, nurses, therapists, psychologists, community workers in the field of health and more), which twice as representation of the overall workforce. So black women and their health are vital to health care in America, as we seek to close health gaps to make America healthier.
E4: As we think of the National Women’s Health Week, what message will you share with the black women navigating today’s healthcare system?
Dr. Okeke: You deserve the care she sees, listens to you and meets your full humanity. Not only as a patient, but as a mother, wife, daughter, leader and caregiver. I know firsthand how exhaustive it may be to support yourself in a system that was not built with us. But I also know how strong we are – especially when we move from the margins to the center. My message is: Continue to show and consisten on purpose. As my dad will say – “Get to know your value and bring value. Ask the questions.” And as my mom will say – “Use your voice.” And as I say to my daughters, “your health care begins when you are young. Be deliberate to stay healthy.” There are many like me – and like BWHI – worked every day to ensure that black women do not have to do it on their own. You don’t have to do it yourself.
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From the transformation of care models to guide the next generation, Dr. Okeke is a living example of what happens when black women drive: Healthcare is evolving. This women’s health week, we celebrate its leadership – and repeat in a future where equality of health is not hope, but a model.
