Introduction

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if I mail in a $10 check, but then cannot attend the conference?

A: If you register and then decide not to attend the conference, we will cash the $10 check. This is to help defray the food and other costs that we have incurred by reserving a spot for you at our conference.

Q: Who is invited to attend this event?

A: Though registration priority will be given out to medical and graduate students, we welcome anybody and everybody interesting in learning about minority health issues.

Q: I am part of an organization involved in minority health and would like to present or table on the day of the conference. Is this possible?

A: Because the 2005 Minority Health Conference has been planned over the last year, it is difficult to make room for last-minute additions. However, you can direct these questions to the webmaster who will forward the request to the directors.

Q: What kind of workshops do you have planned?

A: Our workshops plan to address various issues such as access to care, API health, health disparities, caring for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) patients, health policy issues, HIV/AIDS among African Americans, medical interpretation, nutrition and obesity, mental health, underserved communities, and women's health.

Q: How do I sign up for workshops?

A: We ask you to rank your top workshop choices on the registration form so that we can assign the more popular workshop topics to larger rooms. On the morning of the conference when you check-in, you will have the opportunity to select which workshops you'd like to attend. Due to limited seating, some workshops may be capped at a certain number of attendees. To insure that you are able to attend your top choices, please arrive early!

Q: I will be traveling to the conference from a long distance. Do you offer housing?

A: Some USC, UCLA, and Drew medical students have generously offered to host visiting conference attendees. Please contact us as soon as possible to try to accommodate your request.

Q: What is the parking situation like at the UCLA Campus?

A: There is a fee associated with parking on the UCLA parking structures. However, there is nearby street parking, but finding a parking spot may be difficult, but you'll be rewarded with free parking. Just be sure to check for any time limited street parking signs, or street cleaning.

Q: Why isn't registration available online?

A: Since it is also required to submit a refundable $10 deposit, both items can be submitted together. This way, one doesn't forget to submit the check and then get penalized a $5 non-refundable fee later. However, the registration form has been formatted such that it can be completed from within your browser if you open the document. It can then be printed and mailed with the check.

Q: What is the recommended dress code for the Minority Health Conference?

A: We request that conference attendees wear professional or business casual attire. The weather in September can be quite hot (80s+). Please keep in mind, however, that most of the day will be spent indoors in an air-conditioned environment.

Q: Will food be provided?

A: Yes. A continental breakfast buffet will be provided during check-in and registration. A delicious lunch will also be served. If you have special dietary requests (e.g. vegan, vegetarian, kosher, etc.), please contact us. We will try to accommodate you and reserve you a meal.

Q: Where can I learn more about Minority Health Issues?

A: Below are links to useful websites to get you started.

Minority Health Professions Foundation

UCLA Center for Health Policy Research

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

National Institute for Healthcare Management Research and Education Foundation

The Minority Health Network

Office of Minority Health

Institute of Medicine (IOM)

The National Academies

California Healthcare Foundation

The Commonwealth Fund