Abstract
This interrupted case study explores the general topic of health disparities by focusing on the specific example of breast cancer mortality disparity between black and white women in the city of Chicago, Illinois. The case encourages the use of analytic and critical thinking skills to analyze data, develop and revise hypotheses, and ultimately propose solutions to enhance health equity. The case tells the story of “Dr. Gonzalez,” a beleaguered medical resident who encounters first-hand the socioeconomic and genetic factors that impact breast cancer disparities in her hometown of Chicago. Students follow her journey as she analyzes data and consolidates information from various sources. The case was written for an undergraduate cancer biology course, and could also be used for courses in human biology, epidemiology, genetics, and healthcare policy. It could easily be adapted for different audiences by omitting sections or by adding resources.