Mihirika Pincha Baduge’s Post

To all members and allies who are celebrating Pride Month: 🌈 Why LGBTQIA+ Representation in Research Matters Social integration is a cornerstone of health and well-being. This Pride Month, let's acknowledge the importance of LGBTQIA+ representation in medical research ️. Studies consistently highlight the need for inclusive research to understand the unique experiences and challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. Here's how research with LGBTQIA+ representation benefits healthcare: Improved understanding of social determinants of health Exploring how community connectedness impacts LGBTQIA+ well-being Identification of healthcare disparities: Microaggressions faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals, highlighting a need for better representation. 🩺 Addressing mental health disparities: Research shows higher rates of loneliness and depression among LGBTQIA+ adults compared to their non-LGBTQIA+ counterparts Inclusive research leads to better healthcare practices: Development of culturally competent care: Research emphasizes the importance of LGBTQIA+ voices in shaping mental health interventions and medical education. ⚕️ Enhanced cultural competency training: Several studies advocate for targeted LGBTQIA+ education for healthcare providers to improve cultural competency. Creating inclusive healthcare environments: Inclusive educational resources: Research identifies a lack of LGBTQIA+ representation in textbooks, highlighting the need for inclusive resources. Addressing challenges in healthcare training: Studies explore the experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals in healthcare training, revealing areas for improvement. Meaningful LGBTQIA+ representation throughout the research process is crucial. Community-engaged research: Emphasize the importance of involving LGBTQIA+ communities in research design and implementation. By prioritizing LGBTQIA+ representation in research, we can create a healthcare system that is truly inclusive and affirming for all ️. #PrideMonth #LGBTQIA+ #HealthcareEquity #HappyPRIDE McEwing E, Black T, Zolobczuk J, Dursun U. Moving Beyond the LGBTQIA+ Acronym: Toward Patient-Centered Care. Rehabil Nurs. 2022 Sep-Oct 01;47(5):162-167. doi: 10.1097/RNJ.0000000000000378. PMID: 35687562. https://lnkd.in/g3kNQ3wc

#DidYouKnow that the landscape of the physician workforce has seen a significant positive shift? Over the years, the percentage of women in the physician workforce has steadily risen, reflecting a commitment to diversity and inclusivity in medicine. This inspiring upward trend reflects a commitment to diversity and inclusivity in medicine. Let's celebrate this positive momentum and continue to advocate for equal opportunities, empowering more women to contribute to the medical field. Join us in supporting and encouraging the growth of women in medicine. Together, we can break barriers and pave the way for a more diverse and inclusive healthcare community. 💙 Learn more about our mission and how you can contribute via the link in our bio or bit.ly/amwa-getf. #WomenInMedicine #PhysicianDiversity #MedicalProgress #InclusiveHealthcare #EmpowerWomenInHealth #MedicalMilestone #DiversityInMedicine #MedicalLeadership #AAMC #EqualityInHealthcare #WomenInSTEM #ProgressInMedicine #MedicineForAll #WomenInHealthcare #LeadershipEquality #FutureOfMedicine #medicine #RepresentationMatters #MedicalEducation #EqualOpportunity #GenderEqualityNow #SupportWomenInMedicine #MedicineProgress #EqualityForAll #WomenInScience #TrailblazingWomen #MedTwitter Source: American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC)’s Physician Specialty Data Reports from 2008 to 2020.

DEI is an organizational framework that seeks to promote "fair treatment and full participation of all people", especially those groups "who have and still are underrepresented and who are the subject of discrimination. I worked in the medical field for 30+ years and have always questioned healthcare organizations who somehow failed in the area of fair treatment and patient participation of those of color regarding his/her health. I've also noticed the lack of representation of physicians of color. The lack of diversity in the healthcare system is a pressing issue with far-reaching implications. This lack of diversity can worsen health disparities for minority communities. When health care professionals do not reflect the diverse backgrounds of patients, it can lead to mistrust and hinder effective communication and care. I have been observing for a very long time the shrinking Diversity of Physicians of Color within the healthcare system. Especially in the realm of PCP and Rheumatology. Where is the Inclusion for those of color who may prefer to see someone who may look like them? Are we failing to encourage the youth to pursue careers in healthcare? Have medical learning institutions turn a blind eye by not recruiting individuals of color? To see a change in the health of those who are residing in underserved communities, we must see a change of diversity within the healthcare system as a whole, in my opinion this is the only way that Equity and Inclusion will be achieved.

👩 The increase in educational attainment has helped to catalyze a significant shift in the distribution of women across high-paying jobs. This transformative trend is particularly evident in roles in healthcare, such as pharmacists, physicians, and dentists. Since 1980, there has been a remarkable increase in the number of women entering these fields, showcasing the growing opportunities for women in sectors that traditionally had lower participation. Notably, the occupation of pharmacists stands out, with a participation rate reaching 61% as of 2021—three times higher than the 24% recorded in 1980. Learn more 👉 https://buff.ly/3PleMAM

Celebrating International Women's Day! 🌟 Nursing is humanist - we care for each human no matter how they identify. The nursing workforce is as diverse as our patients! As a nursing professor, I embrace inclusivity and authenticity. No matter the hairstyle or body art, let's champion diversity in our profession. Together, we break stereotypes and empower future healthcare leaders. #IWD2024 #InclusivityInNursing #AuthenticityMatters #RepresentationMatters

Minda Hart’s The Memo serves as a powerful tool for women of color in nursing, offering practical strategies for overcoming obstacles and securing leadership roles. As the nursing profession continues to evolve, the insights from Hart’s book can guide women of color in not only finding their seats at the table but also shaping the future of healthcare through our leadership. By embracing the principles outlined in The Memo, women of color in nursing can navigate their careers with greater confidence and purpose. As we strive for a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system, let’s leverage these insights to create a profession where every nurse has the opportunity to thrive and lead. To learn more about Minda Hart’s work and how her insights can be applied to your career, I highly recommend reading The Memo. It’s a valuable resource & a must have in The Nursing Hood Community.

Trans and non-binary visibility in the health professional workforce is key is creating more inclusive health care environments. "As medical schools serve a major gatekeeping role in diversifying the physician workforce and ultimately meeting the needs of vulnerable populations, there are a few ways in which medical schools can be actively engaged in improving TGNB visibility." ➡️ https://loom.ly/Mv-yPgE

Women in medicine face many challenges when entering healthcare, as well as further barriers in attaining senior leadership positions. However, women of colour face even more challenges. We are consistently underrepresented, writes paediatrician Dr Sarah Arachchi. As a woman of colour, I know all too well that we often find ourselves becoming “overachievers” for our efforts to be recognised or to be seen as leaders or trailblazers in medicine. #womeninmedicine #medicine #healthcare

This day marks the birthday of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States in 1849. Dr. Blackwell initiated the movement that helped women gain entry and equality in the field of medicine. Today, we acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding women physicians contributing to advancements in healthcare. Your dedication and expertise inspire us all. 👩⚕️💉 #IAMBLACKWELL #WomensDocsInspire #NWPD #EmergencyMedicineSkills #ACOEP #EmergencyMedicine #PatientCare #Physicians #OsteopathicMedicine

Imagine walking into a hospital or clinic where doctors, nurses, and public health professionals of every race, ethnicity, gender, disability status, and background are providing culturally sensitive and inclusive care. Ensuring our healthcare workforce mirrors the diversity of our nation is essential to our work at RWJF as we focus on dismantling structural racism and other forms of oppression that are barriers to health and wellbeing.      In my first blog post since joining the Foundation, I share why diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the health professions is critical to paving the way together toward a future where health is no longer a privilege for some, but a right for all. Research shows that physicians from historically marginalized communities are more likely to work in underserved areas and can improve important patient outcomes, like infant mortality rates. Studies also show that efforts to address racial inequities, such as those in maternal health, improve the health of patients of all races, ethnicities and backgrounds. As I’ve seen firsthand in my career, when we embrace diversity, everyone benefits.    That’s why RWJF’s Leadership for Better Health portfolio is increasing its investments toward a diverse healthcare workforce by 60 percent over the next three years. As we go all in on our commitment to DEI, we will take a systems change approach by investing in academic institutions that have made significant contributions to diversifying the health professions. We will also support groups of institutional change leaders and champions both within and outside academic healthcare settings who are dismantling racism in academic admissions and health professional training.     Read more about RWJF’s new strategy to foster a diverse healthcare workforce: https://rwjf.ws/KucWsI      #HealthEquity #DiversityInHealthcare #StructuralRacism #LeadershipForBetterHealth