Ethical Differences in BMD and Fracture Rate: Dispelling Myths
Includes a Live Web Event on 04/11/2026 at 5:00 PM (EDT)
Racial/Ethnic Differences in BMD and Fracture Rate: Dispelling Myths
Angela M. Cheung, MD, PhD, FRCPC
Saturday, April 11, 2026, 5:00pm to 5:30pm Eastern Time (NY/USA)Description & Objectives
In this session, I will be examining differences in bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risks in different racial and ethnic populations. BMD is determined by a complex interplay of genetic factors, lifestyle, hormonal levels, and physical characteristics, with approximately 60% to 80% of peak bone mass variance attributed to genetics. Race and ethnicity are significant independent determinants of BMD, influencing peak bone mass, rate of bone loss, and overall fracture risk. I will also be discussing how this information can be used to translate to better patient care.
After this session, the participant will be able to:
- Understand that race and ethnicity are significant determinants of BMD and fracture risks
- Explain why these differences may create myths and affect care
- Individualize osteoporosis treatments based on race and ethnicity
Angela M. Cheung, MD, PhD, FRCPC
Professor of Medicine
University of Toronto, Canada
Dr. Angela M. Cheung is Professor of Medicine, KY and Betty Ho Chair of Integrative Medicine at University of Toronto (UT) and Senior Physician Scientist at University Health Network (UHN). She is the Founding Director of University Health Network Osteoporosis Program and the Founding Director of University of Toronto Centre of Excellence in Skeletal Health Assessment (CESHA). She currently holds a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Musculoskeletal and Postmenopausal Health. She has won other awards over the years, including the ASBMR Gideon Rodan Mentorship award, ECTS research excellence award, Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Senior Investigator award, and the Canadian Society of Internal Medicine (CSIM) David Sackett Senior Investigator award. She is President of the International Society of Clinical Densitometry, member of International Osteoporosis Foundation Council of Scientific Advisors, and past chair of Osteoporosis Canada Scientific Advisory Council. She obtained her M.D. from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1988, and her PhD from Harvard University in 1997. She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada and has been in clinical practice for >35 years.