Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism and Social Justice (IDEAS) Committee

• We must educate ourselves and others on the influence of implicit and explicit biases against race and the impact of social injustice on morbidity and mortality, that extends beyond education, income or comorbidities.
• We must employ anti-racist and unconscious bias training and engage in interracial dialogues that will dispel the misrepresentations that dehumanize our black community members and other marginalized groups.
• As the U family, we must band together and participate in the elimination of inequities in clinical care, research participation and medical education.
• We must demonstrate compassion and empathy, as well as, acknowledge the pain, grief and trauma that victims, families, and communities of color are experiencing.

• Resident and fellow support group reflecting on the murder of George Floyd and other recent victims of police brutality
• Revise educational curriculum to include anti-racism, unconscious bias training, and awareness on the impact of social injustice and social determinants on patient outcomes and wellbeing
• Provide resources for community engagement and cultural competency for improved patient outcomes
• Collaborate with University’s diversity programs and provide education on social justice and health disparities
• Recruit and provide mentorship for applicants from diverse, underrepresented and underprivileged backgrounds for our neurology faculty, residency and fellowships programs

As healthcare providers, trainees and staff it is our unique duty and privilege to provide for the health and wellbeing of our community. We are also tasked with educating the next generation of physicians and neurologists and hope you will trust that we will do our best to inspire leaders of change. We acknowledge that these difficult times impact the health of our patients and may exacerbate pre-existing health conditions, both physically and psychologically.

We not only pledge to unite and provide support for one another, but we pledge to continue to provide compassionate and exemplary care to all, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation. For our patients, we will serve as leaders and role models to our medical students and trainees.

The University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine Department of Neurology’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism, and Social Justice (IDEAS) committee celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month as it comes to a close. We would like to take the opportunity to reflect on the many cultural contributions of the AAPI community in the U.S.

The COVID-19 pandemic hurts and kills without discrimination—all humans are susceptible. Inequality in our healthcare system has been highlighted in the last year by the disproportionate morbidity and mortality in our underserved and minority populations. As announced by Dr. Julio Frenk, the President of the University of Miami, there has been a rise in anti-Asian sentiment, fueled by hate speech, xenophobia, and misplaced anger about a situation where no one is at fault. Despite an overall decline in interpersonal hate crimes nationwide, Asian Americans have experienced a 149% raise in hate crimes from 2019 to 2020. If you happen to witness or be subject to acts of hate, please see safety advice from Stop AAPI Hate.

During heritage month, we especially celebrate both cultural and scientific excellence. We are also forever grateful to Li Wenliang, MMed, the Chinese physician that alerted the world of COVID19 pandemic, and Prof Zhang Yongzhen who first sequenced the SARSCoV2, leading to the first mRNA vaccine to prevent COVID19 infections. Let us move our society out of this pandemic and into a brighter future, one where we continue to strive to improve the health and wellbeing of all people, and one where all people are treated with respect and kindness.

There are several ways to continue to enjoy heritage month:

• Netflix has a collection of series, films, and specials available celebrating AAPI culture.

• AARP, Wednesday, June 2, 2021, at 5PM ESTis sponsoring a one-hour dumpling making virtual workshop with award winning Chef Kian Lam Kho. Register.

• To know a people, know their stories, PBS celebrates in May, with a special collection of stories that explores the history, traditions and culture of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. 

• More than 40 films available on World Channel that will amplify the voices of those in the AAPI community. Watch, discuss and engage on - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter - using the hashtag #AAPIstories and tag @worldchannel.

We look forward to getting together soon to share more diversity and inclusion initiatives. We are a strong department because of all of you.

The Neurology IDEAS committee supports Pride Month and health equity for individuals within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning — or LGBTQ+ — community. 

Did You Know

• 1 in 5 LGBQT+ Americans have been denied medical care by a provider, including more than half of transgender Americans.
  
• 15 percent of LGBTQ+ Americans report postponing or avoiding medical treatment due to discrimination, including nearly 3 in 10 transgender individuals.
  
• Transgender individuals faced unique obstacles to accessing health care, including 1 in 3 who had to teach their doctor about transgender individuals in order to receive appropriate care.
  
  

Learn More

We are very proud of Dr. Tesha Monteith, our IDEAS chair, and Galaxy Roman, who were both quoted in the American Academy of Neurology’s  Brain and Life magazine recognizing the stigma of migraine and the importance of representation.

Gender pronouns such as he/him, she/her, they/them, are how we refer to the gender identity of  ourselves and others. Using the correct pronouns is one way to demonstrate respect and support a diverse and inclusive culture. The University of Miami Human Resources’ Office of Workplace Equity and Inclusion is hosting A Conversation on Gender and Pronouns, on Tuesday, June 29, at 12 p.m. It will explore the significant role that gender pronouns play in creating an inclusive environment, discuss tips on how to incorporate gender pronouns into everyday interactions, and find ways to expand vocabulary in relation to gender and diversity. Click here to register for the virtual event.  

The Neurology IDEAS committee continues to celebrate diversity and recognize the need to do more to reduce health disparities, discrimination and bias, while treating patients holistically and fighting for the health of everyone in our community. We continue to support programs for the LGBTQ+ community enabling us to help people of all backgrounds to receive the medical and emotional care they need to thrive and enjoy life.  

Resources

• Advocacy and Services for LGBT Elders
  
• PFLAG: Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
  
• Center of Excellence for Transgender Health
  
• The Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
  
• National Center for Transgender Equality
  
• World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)