Contagious diseases often exploit the weakness of healthcare systems. In the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, the most vulnerable segments of our society were also affected to the greatest extent. This discussion will review disparate prevalence and adverse outcome rates from COVID-19 that are associated with differences in access to healthcare. This presentation will outline the ramifications of healthcare systems that neglect socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals on the wellbeing of those affected directly and indirectly across the wider population. 

Dr. Bradley Maron is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Associate Physician in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Co-Director of the Pulmonary Vascular Disease Center at the Boston VA Healthcare System. Epidemiology work from his group has helped to shape understanding of clinical risk associated with lung vascular diseases and heart failure. His laboratory focus involves utilizing network medicine to identify molecular switches that promote blood vessel scarring in pulmonary vascular diseases. Dr. Maron has published more than 150 scientific manuscripts, book chapters, and other works. His research is funded by the National Institutes of Health, American Heart Association, Cardiovascular Medical Research and Education Foundation, and the Scleroderma Foundation. He is the recipient of the Eleanor and Miles Shore Scholar in Medicine, McKenzie Family Master Clinician Award, and other distinguished academic honors.