Medscape highlights an HSS presentation at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2025 Annual Meeting on how incorporating social determinants of health into clinical practice is central to improving care and outcomes.

Health equity is about fair and just care for everyone, and there’s no quality in healthcare without equity, Jillian Rose-Smith, PhD, MPH, MSW, vice president and chief equity officer at HSS, told attendees  Dr. Rose-Smith reviewed policy directives related to social determinants of health (SDOH) in the past few years, upcoming shifts in policy, and how healthcare providers can not only collect meaningful data about these determinants but also leverage it to deliver better care to all patients.

“Health equity continues to be a worthwhile and noble cause in healthcare, and as we take a look at our national landscape and all the conversations we’re going to have, social determinants of health are really key to our conversation,” Dr. Rose-Smith said. “If we really are serious about making changes in population health and the quality of care and the outcomes of our patients, we have to pay attention to where they live, work, and play and how we influence those spaces.”

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