Can Your Zip Code Predict Your Health?

When we think about what makes us healthy, we usually focus on diet, exercise, medication, and regular checkups. While all of these are important, they're only part of the story. The bigger picture—the one we often overlook—is shaped by what's happening outside the exam room.

 These seemingly invisible forces that can shape our health are called the social determinants of health.

As an internal medicine physician and a health advocate, I've seen firsthand how these factors can make or break a person's ability to truly heal. That's why I'm passionate about raising awareness and helping people navigate the often complicated healthcare system in the United States.

What Are Social Determinants of Health?

Social determinants of health (or SDOH) are the non-medical factors influencing health outcomes. These include:

• Economic stability (job status, income, expenses, debt)

• Education access and quality

• Healthcare access and quality

• Neighborhood and built environment

• Social and community context (support systems, discrimination, community engagement)

The social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age—the social determinants of health account for up to 80% of health outcomes.

This means your access to food, housing, education, clean air, and transportation has a much bigger impact on your health than most people realize.

The Real-Life Scenarios

I still recall the chilling conversation I had with my well-meaning breast surgeon when I was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2023. I had just left my job as a hospitalist and was planning to go back into a micropractice as a functional medicine physician. I was paying a hefty price to maintain private health insurance as my former employer had declared bankruptcy and cancelled my COBRA plan. She suggested I know with good intentions, that perhaps I needed to apply for Medicaid to afford my treatment. I still recall sitting there in her office in utmost disbelief. First, qualifying for Medicaid wasn't feasible because I would have to spend down all my assets to qualify, including my home. I was a previous six-figure income earner, teetering on the brink of financial ruin because I no longer had a guaranteed income. So, for me, it was the economic stability that was potentially a barrier to a good outcome from cancer treatment.

Think about a man with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. He lives in the inner city, and it's a food desert - there are no grocery stores close by, so he doesn't have easy access to healthy food options.  Even though he loves to walk for exercise, there is no safe place to exercise outdoors. And so his blood sugars remain out of control.

These aren't just personal challenges. They're structural barriers that affect millions of people, especially those in underserved communities.

 

The implications of the Social Determinants of Health.

• Higher rates of chronic disease

• Delayed treatment or misdiagnosis

• Mental health struggles

• Poorer outcomes, even with access to care

 When we ignore the social context, we risk blaming patients for what are, in reality, systemic issues.

How health advocacy can help identify setbacks caused by the social determinants of health

Health advocacy is more than just explaining medical jargon or managing follow-up appointments; it's about empowering individuals to take control of their health. It’s about seeing the whole person—and understanding the landscape they’re navigating.

As an advocate, some of the questions I ask  and work with my prospective clients may be:

• What does this person need beyond medical care?

• Do they have transportation, support, and a safe home environment?

• Can they afford medications or healthy food?

• Are they being heard—or overlooked?

When we start asking those questions, everything changes.

Health Equity Starts Here

Tackling social determinants of health is about creating health equity, which means ensuring everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

That doesn’t mean everyone gets the same thing—it means everyone gets what they need.

If you’re a healthcare provider, organization, or policymaker, this means shifting from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more personalized, equity-centered strategy.

If you’re a patient or caregiver, this means knowing that your needs outside of the clinic matter—and that you deserve to be supported in those areas too.

How I Can Help

I offer support in three core areas:

1. Speaking Engagements and Workshops
I speak to healthcare professionals, advocacy organizations, and community groups about:

• Understanding the social determinants of health

• Creating equity-centered care systems

• Empowering patients through whole-person advocacy

Whether you’re planning a conference, in-service training, or a community wellness event—I bring a blend of clinical insight, lived experience, and practical strategies that move people to action.

2. Independent Health Advocacy
For individuals and families navigating complex medical journeys, I provide:

• One-on-one support to help understand diagnoses, treatment options, and next steps

• Navigation through healthcare systems, insurance, and resource access

• Emotional support, goal-setting, and coordination between providers

3. Consulting for Organizations and Practices
I partner with practices and institutions to:

• Evaluate how social determinants are impacting patient outcomes

• Develop care models that address whole-person needs

• Improve health equity through staff training, policy review, and patient engagement strategies

Let’s Work Together

If you’re ready to have an honest conversation about what drives health—and how we can do better—I’d love to collaborate.

Whether you’re:

• A healthcare organization ready to shift your model of care

• A community group looking for an empowering speaker

• A patient or caregiver feeling overwhelmed and looking for guidance

You don’t have to do it alone.

[Let’s Talk] – Schedule a FREE 30-minute Strategy Session, or reach out to book me as a speaker or consultant.
Together, we can create a world where everyone has the tools, not just to survive, but to truly thrive.