2023 CONFERENCE
The 2nd Annual Diversity in Healthcare Conference
Held on March 26, 2023, at the Pennsylvania State University, focused on exploring the intersection of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the healthcare system, addressing disparities, and promoting strategies for improving healthcare access and outcomes for underrepresented groups regarding Mental Health.
MENTAL HEALTH: THE 8-CORE THEME
Along with mental health, we also made sure to discuss the other 7 core themes of the conference including:
1. Racial and Ethnic Disparities
2. Gender and Sexuality Disparities
3. Healthcare Workforce Diversity
4. Socioeconomic Disparities
5. Ableism
6. Linguistic and Cultural Disparities
7. Disparities with Age and Elder Abuse
The conference urged participants to use what they learned to come up with solutions for what they found to be pressing issues in healthcare currently. The solutioning phase winners for this year wanted to implement “Care Connect” to improve patient-provider communication. They proposed that it be done so through the distribution of pamphlets including translated definitions of medical jargon, introduction to informed consent, and supplementary support when an interpreter is not available.
Mental health is a critical aspect of overall health, yet it often remains under-discussed and overlooked in diverse healthcare conversations. This theme will focus on addressing the mental health disparities faced by marginalized communities, the impact of mental health on overall well-being, and strategies to improve access to mental health services for all populations. With this addition, we aim to deepen the conversation around healthcare disparities and bring attention to the urgent need for equitable mental health care and support. We look forward to exploring innovative solutions and promoting better mental health outcomes for all individuals, regardless of background.
WATCH OUR VIDEO RECAP....
Thank you to our speakers this year as they shared their expertise and vision for advancing equity and inclusion in medicine.
OUR SPEAKERS
M.D. FACP
Dr. Inginia Genao
the Vice Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging at the Penn State College of Medicine and a Professor of Medicine in the Division of General Internal Medicine. Prior to joining Penn State, Dr. Genao served as the Associate Chair for Diversity and Inclusion at the Yale School of Medicine, where she launched the “Teach Doc” project to address racial biases and microaggressions in medical education. She has also published important work on how standardized tests negatively impact minority admissions to medical schools.
EdD, RN, FAAN
Dr. Rumay Alexander
The Assistant Dean of Relational Excellence at the Adams School of Dentistry. Previously, Dr. Alexander served as the Associate Vice-Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where they played a pivotal role in advancing equity and inclusion initiatives. As a Nursing Professor at UNC Chapel Hill, Dr. Alexander was also the 2021 American Nurses Association’s Scholar-In-Residence and advised the National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing. Additionally, she is an appointed member of the LeapFrog Group Board.
To all who made this possible...
Thank you to the participants from Penn State Greater Allegheny, Altoona, York, World Campus, Harrisburg, Abbington, University Park!
Thank you to the sponsors of the 2023 conference!
