For this assignment, you will apply critical thinking to what you have learned up to this point in this course regarding the successes and failures of the U.S. health care system as it relates to issues of cost, access, and quality. You are expected to address these topics from the perspective of a medical professional that is both ethical and respectful.

Select a vulnerable population that is impacted by a form of cultural disparity. Write a 1,000 word paper that addresses the following:
1.Describe your selected population, and explain what factors and characteristics contribute to them being identified as vulnerable.
2.Describe elements that contribute to this population’s distrust of the health care system and/or medical treatments. Why is trust important? If a patient does not trust health care providers, can he or she receive effective treatment? Why or why not?
3.Identify foundations that the U.S. health care system has used to study those with special health needs both historically and today?
4.Identify steps that health care professionals and institutions can take to overcome the effects of the cultural disparity.

Do not include the title page or the references page when determining whether you have reached the required word count for this assignment.

A minimum of three references, in addition to your textbook, are required for this assignment.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the GCU Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.