The Institute of Medicine Roundtable on Health Disparities was created to enable diaologue and discussion of issues related to:

1. the visibility of racial and ethnic disparities in health and health care as a national problem;
2. the development of programs and strategies to reduce disparities; and
3. the emergence of new leadership. 

The Roundtable is chaired by Dr. Nicole Lurie.  Members of the Roundtable include its sponsors and additional experts from the health and social sciences, industry, and the community.

The Institute of Medicine serves as adviser to the nation to improve health. Established in 1970 under the charter of the National Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Medicine provides independent, unbiased, evidence-based advice to policymakers, health professionals, industry, and the public.