The idea of health disparities has been socialized among public health advocates, but the concept of health inequities takes the focus further pointing out the systemic, avoidable, unjust, social and economic policies and practices that create barriers to health. Esteban López, MD, MBA serves as the Chief Medical Officer and Southwest Texas Market President for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, where he helps fulfill its mission to improve the health and well-being of its five million members. In addition to serving as the executive sponsor for Texas Government Programs, Dr. López leads the Community Investment Department in its long-term strategy to improve public health. He was one of 61 leaders selected from across the nation – and the only one representing South Texas – to join the prestigious ranks of the Presidential Leadership Scholars Program. Additionally Dr. López is a Director of the Texas Lyceum. Dr. López is dual board certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics with a Masters in Business Administration. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx