“In January, a leading health care industry magazine placed me on its list of ‘10 executives to watch in 2024’ and asked how I will navigate my role in ‘the face of broad political pushback to DEI [diversity, equity, and inclusion] efforts,’” writes Aletha Maybank, MD, MPH, in a new Perspective. “My immediate reaction? Lord have mercy upon me, I’m about to be a target. Again. “Advancing workplace DEI as hired DEI, equity, or health equity officers — whether in health systems, academia, or corporations — has always been tough, but it is especially rough right now. Not only are our long-standing efforts and those of many leaders who came before us being attacked, so are we — and directly. Since the public murder of George Floyd opened a door for speaking more directly about racism, some of us are increasingly receiving violent and abhorrent messages, even death threats at our homes. All this aggression seeks to silence us, with the larger goal of shutting this opened door forever.” Continue reading the Perspective “The Plight of DEI Leaders — Heavy Expectations and Limited Protection” by Aletha Maybank, MD, MPH, from the American Medical Association: https://nej.md/4crK2Iz
NEJM Group’s Post
More Relevant Posts
-
Search consultant guiding innovative leadership talent solutions for each client’s unique, strategic business needs
Michael Dowling is the CEO of Northwell Health which operates on Long Island and into NYC. He has written a thought piece about leadership which was published on Becker's Hospital Review this week and can be found at this link https://lnkd.in/gepdr5Av. In this article, Dowling notes the opportunity to use today's media as a vehicle to articulate how to be an impactful leader in today's society, yet influential voices are being overwhelmed by the negative commentary and arguments that contribute to dysfunction in politics, governance, culture, and organizations. Dowling offers a starting point of a model leaders could emulate to begin to break through the chatter and din: 1. Promote the importance of community. We are all interconnected and interdependent. We value each other's viewpoints - we allow them to educate us. 2. Reframe compromise as a strength. It takes courage, adaptability, and cooperation. It facilitates progress. It is the essence of democracy. 3. Create a healthy and respectful work environment. As the largest employer in many of our communities, we must promote healthy behaviors that enhance overall well-being and engagement. At the same time, we must be explicit about having zero tolerance for words or actions that fostered discrimination or hate violence. We must respect and appreciate the benefits of diversity. 4. Give oxygen to hope. Practice optimism and positivity. Despite issues and problems that always exist, the future can and will be better. Hope inspires. I agree with his premise and work to practice this thinking in my interactions with other: clients, candidates, colleagues, friends, family, and community groups. Promoting this thinking is a new initiative for me, and hence, the reason for this post. Do you agree with Dowling's thoughts? How else can all of us work to overcome the polarization we are experiencing in work, society, government, and institutions?
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
This month, EBN puts a spotlight on the state of healthcare. From exclusive research on the impact of rising healthcare costs to how employers can walk away from traditional health plans, our reporters dive into how companies can better approach their relationship with this notoriously difficult industry. #healthcare #health #welllness #savings #benefits https://bit.ly/3SyZGsp
New and Noteworthy | Employee Benefit News
benefitnews.com
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Founder & CEO, 100 Black Trans Men, Inc. & 100 Black Trans Women | US Veteran | 🏆4X Community Leadership Awards | 🎤 International Speaker | 📚 13-Time Published Author
What is “Health Equity,” really?🤔 As a retired United States Air Force 🇺🇸 Healthcare Administrator, I’ve come to understand that health equity is a concept that transcends the traditional boundaries of healthcare. From my vantage point, health equity is #holistic, touching every facet of life. It's a recognition that the well-being of one aspect of our lives deeply influences all others. Health equity is often viewed through the lens of medical access and treatment. However, I believe it encompasses much more. It's about creating #equal opportunities for well-being across various life domains, including stable housing, nutritious food, education, employment, and a safe environment. When one aspect of a person's life improves, it positively impacts their overall health. The interplay of different aspects of life underlines the need for a comprehensive approach to health equity. For instance, financial stability, access to safe living conditions, education, and employment opportunities are not just social benefits but are crucial for maintaining good health. Challenges in any of these areas can lead to significant health disparities. At 100 Black Trans Men, Inc., our advocacy extends beyond equitable healthcare access. We strive to address broader social determinants of health, understanding that holistic health equity means creating conditions where individuals can thrive in all life areas. Our initiatives aim to ensure that every aspect of our community's well-being is nurtured. Health equity is #holistic and multifaceted, requiring solutions that address the interconnected nature of various life aspects. By promoting systems that acknowledge and support this holistic nature, we move closer to a future where everyone has the #opportunity for a healthy, fulfilling life. Let’s continue to advocate for and build a world where holistic health equity is not just a vision but a reality. Learn more about 100 Black Trans Men, Inc. I’ll put the link in the comments section for you. 😊 ~Dr. Elijah Nicholas, DBA, MBA, MAET, MSOL Founder & Executive Director 100 Black Trans Men, Inc. #HealthEquity #HolisticHealth #100BlackTransMen #Inclusion #TransAwareness #Education #Access #Leadership #People #Equity #Money #Healthcare #Prevention #Data #Veteran
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Did you know that Dignity is rarely spoken of or developed as a core value for organizations outside the medical profession? Medical facilities are some of the most diverse places in the world. People from all backgrounds come for treatment and care, and in Europe and North America, the medical staff is often diverse due to the need for medical talent in all areas. Dignity is imperative in these environments because the stakes are high. The stakes are life and death. But that is different from the reality of most organizations. Most of us are not operating in life-or-death situations. So why would Dignity need to be a foundational element of our work culture? Because every person deserves to experience Dignity at work. This is why Dignity as a core cultural value, leadership model, and key input for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion outcomes is critical. If you want to develop a healthy company where employees can come to work, do good work, and enjoy their experience with their colleagues - Dignity is where you start. #thedignitystandard
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Health Equity Innovator and Strategy Leader | 50/50 Women on Board Semi-Finalist | Board Member (Governance, Innovation Committee Chair) | ESG Advocate | Early Adopter | (Careful) Disruptor
Karma Bass Stand firm! There isn't a more eloquent way to say what we know to be true: Hospital boards do not reflect the #diversity of the communities they serve. Board searches for hospitals and corporations are often built on relationships. Unless you have elected Trustees at public hospitals--but even then--the search process is first a question around the table--who do you know that would be good to serve on the Board? Second, let's hire a search firm to help us recruit a new member. Unless that firm is given clear instruction to find a diverse slate of candidates --its rare to see that happen. The test of an inclusive leader is to ask themselves--can I bring that added voice to the table or do I need to step aside and bring another person into the mix? #LinkedInLife #HealthEquity #RepresentationMatters #hospitals
Question for you: Is it reasonable to say that, if we want greater board diversity in healthcare, then we need to appoint fewer white men to these boards? I was recently given feedback that someone was offended and left a webinar I was leading because I said we need to stop appointing white men to hospital and system boards (at least for a while). I know this is provocative. I've heard audible gasps when saying it at in-person meetings. Maybe I could have said it more elegantly. But we've been trying to solve this challenge through less-direct means for decades, with little success. I know diversity encompasses far more than gender and race or ethnicity. But shouldn't we at least start here? The fact is that white men are currently overrepresented on these boards relative to the U.S. population and communities served. Most U.S. hospitals and systems are not-for-profits that have an obligation to represent and serve their communities, including addressing health inequities. We know that a more diverse leadership group is critical to effectively addressing these challenges. How do you see it? #healthcare #healthequity #hospitals #diversity #boarddiversity #hospital #leadership
To view or add a comment, sign in
-
Heart disease is the top cause of death in the US, disproportionately affecting Black adults compared to white adults. As we’ve shed light on the profound connection of American Heart Month and Black History Month this February, getting to the heart of this issue boils down to making quality health care more accessible and equitable – and I’m proud that our Deloitte Consulting Life Sciences & Health Care teams are continuing to work with leading organizations to address this and create equitable change in health care. One year ago, the American Heart Association, the SHRM Foundation, and the Deloitte Health Equity Institute joined forces to launch the Health Equity in the Workforce Initiative. This collaboration produced a roadmap and resources aimed at helping employers improve access to quality healthcare for their employees and families, particularly in racially and ethnically diverse communities. I recently had the privilege of connecting with Gerald E. Johnson II, Executive Vice President of the American Heart Association, and Wendi Safstrom, President of the SHRM Foundation to discuss how this meaningful work is helping more employers eliminate health inequities. https://deloi.tt/49KAMNC #HealthEquity #HealthCare #HeartHealth #Deloitte
February is American Heart Month and Black History Month
www2.deloitte.com
To view or add a comment, sign in
92,507 followers