Diversity, inclusion, equality, equity, implicit bias, microaggressions, and stereotypes were all concepts and terms covered in HCOP’s very first Championing Diversity in the Healthcare Field virtual workshop led by Gwynette Williams – Leadership and Professional Development guru on Saturday, November 14, 2020. Forty (40) undergraduate and health professional 2020 – 2021 Health Careers Ambassador Program students joined in a discussion where each were able to define diversity, equity and inclusion and compare the differences between these concepts; identify implicit biases in order to increase equity in the medical field; define implicit bias and microaggression and give examples of these concepts in action; and integrate specific learned strategies to support diversity, inclusion, and equity.
In preparation for the workshop, students were given a bit of “homework” where they were to complete the Harvard Race Implicit Association Test (IAT) which measures attitudes and beliefs associated with the strength of associations between concepts and evaluations or stereotypes. Students came prepared to share their results and what was found to be especially interesting among the results was that for some it revealed an implicit attitude that several individuals did not know they had.
Check out the link to the Harvard Race Implicit Association Test (IAT) here: https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html
In addition, students familiarized themselves with the Groundwater metaphor which is designed to help practitioners at all levels internalize the reality that we live in a racially structured society, and that that is what causes racial inequity. To wrap things up, several videos related to implicit bias were shared as well as a few insightful books for students to read during their leisure time.
Hands down – this was one of HCOP’s most interactive and engaging workshops!!! Kudos to the students (the champions) that remained open-minded, honest and ready to face and change the current reality of the world today!!!