Dr. Beth A. Marks

Interested in primary health care (PHC) as an approach to health care which focuses on the promotion of health and the prevention of diseases, through comprehensive care which is collaboratively and cooperatively provided by community people including people with disabilities and multiple health relevant disciplines. As an interactive approach, PHC focuses on community residents becoming empowered to be knowledgeable in health matters and to have an opportunity to participate in their health care management. A basic goal is to ensure that PHC or essential health care is available to everyone in the community.

Also interested in including people with disabilities in the implementation of PHC emphasizing several concepts:
accessibility of essential health services to all the population including people with disabilities;
maximum individual and community involvement in the planning and operation of health care services;
emphasis on services that are preventive and promotive as well as curative;
the use of appropriate technology with local resources and government support;
the integration of health development with overall social and economic development;
provision of culturally acceptable health activities and programs;
a focus on the health concerns of highest priorities for community residents and health system;
the use of strategies that maximize self-learning, self-determination, self-care, and self-reliance on the part of the people.