Humanizing our Patients Medical Assessments in a Correctional Setting-Recording

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Video Summary

In a recent session at Correctional Health Services, Lauren Black, the Chief Equity and Engagement Officer, introduced an anti-bias training initiative, funded by a UCLA grant, as a step forward in fostering inclusive healthcare practices. The seminar was facilitated by Dr. Young-Mercado, an assistant professor at Morehouse School of Medicine, and president of the Black Women's Physicians group. The focus was on understanding and addressing implicit biases within the healthcare system, emphasizing their impact on marginalized communities.<br /><br />The session underscored the importance of acknowledging individual and systemic biases, especially within clinical settings. One poignant example highlighted was the tragic case of Stephanie Bailey, a patient with sickle cell disease, who faced bias and inadequate treatment, leading to her premature death. This case reflected the dangers of allowing unconscious biases to overshadow clinical judgments.<br /><br />Dr. Young-Mercado emphasized that biases, both implicit and explicit, contribute significantly to health disparities, particularly when intersecting with systemic racism. The seminar aimed to empower healthcare professionals by advocating for change in institutional policies and practices. The workshop encouraged active and respectful dialogue, highlighting discomfort as a catalyst for growth and change.<br /><br />A significant portion of the discussion addressed the social construct of race, debunking its scientific basis and exploring its roots in historical prejudice and power dynamics. Participants were invited to reflect on the unjust social and institutional structures built around the concept of race, encouraging them to consider ways to deconstruct these paradigms in their professional practice. The session concluded with a call to action, inviting attendees to challenge existing stereotypes, engage empathetically with diverse patient narratives, and contribute to creating equitable healthcare environments.

Keywords

anti-bias training

inclusive healthcare

implicit biases

marginalized communities

health disparities

systemic racism

institutional policies

social construct of race

equitable healthcare

UCLA grant