Cultural Awareness Series: From Action to Change

Panelists Peter Bretan, MD, and Ravina Kullar, PharmD, MPH, FIDSA, discuss the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Asian American and Pacific Islander populations in the final segment of this interview moderated by Tina Tan, MD, FIDSA. They discuss the factors that have impacted vaccine uptake and confidence in this community and the impact of increased racism towards health care providers.

Panelists Peter Bretan, MD, and Ravina Kullar, PharmD, MPH, FIDSA, discuss removing barriers for individuals to enter the medical field in the second part of this interview moderated by Tina Tan, MD, FIDSA. In addition to sharing stories of their own pathways into medicine, the panelists also discussed ways to inspire the next generation of health care providers and the importance of engaging with students to encourage careers in the health care field to improve community health.

Panelists Peter Bretan, MD, and Ravina Kullar, PharmD, MPH, FIDSA, discuss the representation of Asian, Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian populations in the field of medicine and the importance of disaggregation of data as a tool to better understand the cultural nuances impacting health care for different groups within these populations in the first part of this interview moderated by Tina Tan, MD, FIDSA.

In recognition of National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on May 19, Jen Chang, MD, discusses the lack of representation of Asian -American and Pacific Islanders-identifying people living with HIV and promotes projects working to increase visibility.

HHS Office of Minority Health highlighted resources and information, shareable graphics and events in recognition of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month.  

In this final video interview, the group shares personal stories on the impact racism against Asian Americans have had on their careers and discusses ways to create safe spaces for both patients and providers.

Ravina Kullar, PharmD, MPH, FIDSA, moderated a discussion with Arjun Srinivasan, MD, and Tina Tan, MD, FIDSA, in recognition of Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.  In this second video interview, the group explores the cultural differences to be aware of when caring for the AAPI community, including the role of the family in making decisions on medical care, the use of alternative medication, the comfort in advocating for one’s care, and offers ways to address potential barriers.  

Ravina Kullar, PharmD, MPH, FIDSA, moderated a discussion with Arjun Srinivasan, MD, and Tina Tan, MD, FIDSA, in recognition of Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. In this first video interview, the group discusses the nuances and cultural context of Asian-American experiences, breaking down stereotypes and barriers to equitable promotion and what needs to be done to redefine leadership qualities for more inclusive representation of all health care providers.

Panelists Stella Safo, MD, MPH, and Taison Bell, MD, MBA, discuss with Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, MD what is needed to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 care and treatments for Black communities in the final installment of a panel discussion in recognition of Black History Month.

In this installment of an interview led by Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, MD with panelists Taison Bell, MD, MBA, and Stella Safo, MD, MPH, they discuss the impact of the movements to address racial injustices that occurred as the COVID-19 pandemic was disproportionately affecting communities of color. The panelists also discuss the origins of historical mistrust of medicine by many Black Americans and the impact that has had on vaccine uptake. They share examples of trusted messengers effectively engaging in conversation about COVID-19 vaccines within their communities.

Panelists Taison Bell, MD, MBA, and Stella Safo, MD, MPH, address how lessons learned from the HIV epidemic can be applied to the current COVID-19 pandemic, including the benefit of team-based care and dismantling the stigma around testing positive, in a discussion led by Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, MD.

Taison Bell, MD, MBA, and Stella Safo, MD, MPH, led by moderator Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, MD, discuss the importance of celebrating Black History Month within the medical community and taking stock of progress made while recognizing and refocusing efforts to address the impact of health inequities. Panelists also share perspectives on the different actions that Black Americans can take in celebrating this month, including taking time to rest. 

A personal perspective on the importance of celebrating the historical and contemporaneous contributions of the Black community is shared by Dr. Damani Piggott in recognition of Black History Month.

In the final part of a video interview in recognition of Black History Month, Jasmine Marcelin, MD, FACP, FIDSA, moderated a conversation with Oni Blackstock, MD, MHS, and Christopher da Costa, MD, FACP, FIDSA, discussing the role that supporting Black medical professionals can have on impacting health equity.

Jasmine Marcelin, MD, FACP, FIDSA, moderated a panel discussion with Oni Blackstock, MD, MHS, and Christopher da Costa, MD, FACP, FIDSA, discussing the historical context for providing culturally competent care to Black patients. This is the first of three videos recognizing and celebrating Black History Month.

Panelists Oni Blackstock, MD, MHS, and Christopher da Costa, MD, FACP, FIDSA, discuss culturally competent ways to engage patients in conversations about vaccinations in the second installment of a video interview moderated by Jasmine Marcelin, MD, FACP, FIDSA, in recognition of Black History Month.

Maximo Brito, MD, a member of IDSA’s Board of Directors, moderated a discussion with panelists Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, PhD, and Carina Marquez, MD, in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. Panelists discussed the rich diversity within Latinx cultures and communities and the cultural practices to facilitate health interventions. They also shared lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, including ways to leverage community partnerships to support vaccine booster acceptance and accessibility to healthcare. The panelists also discussed practical ways to support pathways for Latinx students into the medical field.

The CDC Office of Minority Health and Health Equity provides an overview of health initiatives for Hispanic health. 

Carlos del Rio, MD, FIDSA, moderated a panel discussion with Lilian Abbo, MD, FIDSA, Angelica Cifuentes Kottkamp, MD, FIDSA, and Robert Rodriguez, MD, in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. Panelists discussed cultural nuances and practices for engaging in an effective and culturally competent patient- provider relationship, the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the Latinx community and the progress made in developing pathways for the next generation of Hispanic physicians.

The CDC Office of Minority Health and Health Equity provides an overview of health initiatives for Hispanic health. 

In this article in The Journal of Infectious Diseases, authors describe the disproportional impact of COVID-19 on the Hispanic community and share strategies for addressing COVID-19 disparities within this population. 

The National Hispanic Medical Association provides information about the #Vaccinate4All Campaign, as well as helpful COVID-19 resources.

In the second half of this interview, panelists Raul Macias Gil, MD, Darrell McBride II, DO, and moderator and HIVMA Chair Marwan Haddad, MD, MPH, discuss the evolving impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on LGBTQ+ communities, ways to address barriers that limit quality of life and what the medical community can do to better support LGBTQ+ patients beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

Panelists Raul Macias Gil, MD, and Darrell McBride II, DO, discuss the role of advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights in the medical community and how it has evolved and remains to be addressed with moderator and HIVMA Chair Marwan Haddad, MD, MPH, in the first part of this interview.

Thomas Fekete, MD, FIDSA, of Temple University moderated an insightful conversation with Marwan Hadadd, MD, MPH, David Malebranche, MD, MPH, and Hilary Reno, PhD, in recognition of LGBTQ+ Pride Month. In the second half of this panel discussion, the group shares their experiences caring for members of the LGBTQ+ community, and the trans community in particular, and discusses the changes they would like to see for the future of care.

Thomas Fekete, MD, FIDSA, of Temple University moderated an insightful conversation with Marwan Hadadd, MD, MPH, David Malebranche, MD, MPH, and Hilary Reno, PhD, in recognition of LGBTQ+ Pride Month. In the first half of this panel discussion, the group discusses the role that medical professionals have in advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had.

April is National Minority Health Month, and this year the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health and its partners are highlighting the important role individuals and organizations can play in helping to reduce health disparities and improve the health of racial and ethnic minority and American Indian/Alaska Native communities.

CDC encourages promoting National Minority Health Month and highlights the importance of reducing health disparities.

Associate Editor Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, MD, MPH, interviewed Jessica Snowden, MD, FIDSA, where they discussed how the medical community can meaningfully honor Native American Heritage Month. They also discussed the work remaining to protect Native American and Alaska Native communities against COVID-19 and actions that providers and health systems can take toward overcoming barriers to equitable care.

Associate Editor Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, MD, MPH, led a panel discussion with Luke John Day, MD, Sophie Neuner, MD, MPH, and Jessica Snowden, MD, FIDSA, in recognition of Native American Heritage Month. The panel discussed the importance of visibility of native people and the culture and identities of these communities; historic and modern reasons for mistrust of the health care system; the impact of COVID-19; the resilience and strength of native communities; and strategies for providing culturally inclusive care.  

Panelists Gayathri Krishnan, MBBS, MD, Arghavan Salles, MD, PhD, and Laila Woc-Colburn, MD, DTM&H, FIDSA, discuss the outcome of gender inequities in medicine and share tangible practices and actions that leaders and institutions can take to ensure systemic gender equity in this interview moderated by Associate Editor Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, MD.

Panelists Gayathri Krishnan, MBBS, MD, Arghavan Salles, MD, PhD, and Laila Woc-Colburn, MD, DTM&H, FIDSA, discuss the representation of women in medicine, the impact the pandemic had on women in the workforce, and overcoming barriers to advancement in this interview moderated by Associate Editor Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, MD.

Panelists Gayathri Krishnan, MBBS, MD, Arghavan Salles, MD, PhD, and Laila Woc-Colburn, MD, DTM&H, FIDSA, share their perspectives on the importance of celebrating Women’s History Month within the medical community in this interview moderated by Associate Editor Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, MD.

IDSA leaders reflect on their pathways to leadership roles within the Society and highlight work that still needs to be done to achieve racial equity in leadership opportunities.  

This Journal of Infectious Diseases paper focuses on the history of gender disparities within IDSA. It outlines progress that has been made toward equity and key interventions required to maintain and increase female representation in membership and leadership, with the goal of achieving healthier outcomes for patients. 

This paper reports a mixed-method study to explore gender-based barriers to advancement in academic infectious diseases and proposes policy changes to address these barriers.

In the final part of an interview moderated by Kristina Bryant, MD, FPIDS, panelists Ann Chahroudi, MD, PhD, and Shanta Zimmer, MD, discuss career advancement, leadership roles and what institutions can do to ensure gender equity in the workplace.   

Panelists Ann Chahroudi, MD, PhD, and Shanta Zimmer, MD, discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted women in the medical field in the second part of an interview moderated by Kristina Bryant, MD, FPIDS, in recognition of Women’s History Month. 

Kristina Bryant, MD, FPIDS, moderated a panel discussion with Ann Chahroudi, MD, PhD, and Shanta Zimmer, MD, discussing the historical and modern role of women in the medical profession.