A recent study presented at the American College of Physicians Internal Medicine Meeting 2025 sheds light on significant health disparities within Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. Dr. Adrienne Poon, an associate professor of medicine at George Washington University, discussed early findings from a community health needs survey conducted by OCA Greater Washington, DC. This research highlights the detrimental effects of the “model minority” myth, which falsely portrays AAPI individuals as universally successful, thereby masking real health and socioeconomic challenges.
The survey revealed that AAPI populations are often overlooked in healthcare research and policy development due to aggregated data that fails to capture the unique health needs of different ethnic groups. Dr. Poon emphasized the importance of disaggregating data to understand and address specific health issues within these communities. She noted that socioeconomic status significantly shapes healthcare access and barriers, with many AAPI individuals facing under-diagnosis of chronic conditions due to systemic biases and lack of resources.
Dr. Poon’s research underscores the necessity of viewing AAPI communities through a more nuanced lens to identify and address their distinct health disparities. By recognizing the diversity within AAPI populations, healthcare providers and policymakers can develop targeted interventions to improve health outcomes. This approach is crucial for ensuring that all ethnic groups receive equitable care and support.
See: “Community-Led Research Sheds Light on AAPI Health Disparities” (April 14, 2025)