Civic engagement for the underserved—A clinician imperative

There's a great deal of rightful discussion these days about social determinants of health (SDOH). While housing, education, employment, transportation, and access to care are clear elements of SDOH, the underlying and unifying principle of civic engagement is not typically included among the most commonly cited determinants. Yet, the ability—the obligation—to vote in an election is the chance for every citizen to guide the policies that affect all the other determinants. It may also be the most important.