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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Disparities in Healthcare

Dr. Yvonne (Bonnie) Maldonado and Dr. Magali Fassiotto

This course explores the social determinants of health, and how societal conditions affect health equity by examining the history of racism in US healthcare and identifying ways to mitigate the effects of institutionalized medical racism. You will gain insight into how bias in the healthcare system exacerbates health disparities across diverse patient groups, and the ways in which individuals across diverse social identities experience the healthcare workplace.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Define the social determinants of health.
Investigate how the societal conditions experienced by different population groups create healthcare disparities.
Outline the relationship between race and healthcare access and quality in a population.

Investigate strategies for alleviating structural racism in the healthcare workplace.
Explore how groups across diverse social identities experience various disparities in healthcare as the result of the different forms of bias they encounter.
Analyze how and why people become aware of different elements of their intersectional identities in different contexts.

Define the social determinants of health.
Investigate how the societal conditions experienced by different population groups create healthcare disparities.
Outline the relationship between race and healthcare access and quality in a population.
Investigate strategies for alleviating structural racism in the healthcare workplace.
Explore how groups across diverse social identities experience various disparities in healthcare as the result of the different forms of bias they encounter.
Analyze how and why people become aware of different elements of their intersectional identities in different contexts.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores the impact of race on healthcare access and quality, a topic highly relevant to healthcare professionals and policymakers

Taught by Dr. Yvonne (Bonnie) Maldonado and Dr. Magali Fassiotto, both recognized for their work in health equity

Develops understanding of the social determinants of health, a core concept for health professionals

Provides strategies for mitigating structural racism in healthcare, a critical skill for healthcare professionals

Examines intersectionality, a highly relevant concept for understanding health disparities across diverse social identities

Requires learners to come in with some background knowledge in health equity or related fields

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Reviews summary

Essential insights for healthcare equity

According to students, this course offers essential insights into Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within healthcare. Learners highlight its strong coverage of social determinants of health, the history of racism in US healthcare, and systemic biases that exacerbate disparities. Many found the content incredibly insightful and actionable, providing tools to mitigate institutionalized medical racism. Reviewers frequently praised the knowledgeable and passionate instructors and the well-structured modules. While broadly recommended as a must-take, especially for medical professionals, some found that certain topics occasionally lacked advanced depth, being more suitable for beginners.

Provides tools and understanding for real-world impact.

"I feel better equipped to address health disparities."

"I gained tools and understanding to approach patient care with greater empathy and awareness of systemic issues."

"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."

Instructors were knowledgeable, and course structure was logical.

"The instructors presented complex topics with clarity and sensitivity."

"The instructors were excellent and the course materials were rich."

"The course is structured logically, building knowledge step-by-step."

Explores racism history and systemic biases causing health disparities.

"The modules on the history of racism in US healthcare were particularly powerful, providing a much-needed historical context."

"I appreciated the focus on social determinants of health and systemic biases."

"The focus on mitigating institutionalized medical racism provided actionable insights."

Provides vital understanding of DEI and systemic issues in healthcare.

"This course was incredibly insightful and vital for anyone in healthcare."

"An essential course for medical professionals. It really opened my eyes to the intersectional identities..."

"This course provides a comprehensive understanding of DEI in healthcare."

May lack advanced depth for those already familiar with DEI concepts.

"I found the course sometimes lacked depth for someone already familiar with basic DEI concepts. It felt like an introduction..."

"I found some of the content repetitive and not as groundbreaking as I expected. As someone who has worked in public health for years, much of this was information I already knew."

"Perhaps more real-world scenarios would enhance the learning."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Disparities in Healthcare with these activities:

Explore online modules on the social determinants of health

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Guided tutorials can help you deepen your understanding of the foundational concepts of the course.

Browse courses on Social Determinants of Health

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Identify reputable online platforms and modules
Review the module materials and complete the exercises
Reflect on your learning and identify areas for further exploration

Read The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

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The themes in Rebecca Skloot's book align with the course topics on the social determinants of health and how societal conditions influence health.

View The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks on Amazon

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Review the book's description and contents
Read the book at a steady pace
Make notes and annotations while reading
Summarize key points and concepts from each chapter

Review basic statistics and research methods

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Refreshing your foundational skills in statistics and research methods will support your ability to analyze data and critically evaluate health equity research.

Browse courses on Statistics

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Review textbooks, online resources, or previous coursework
Practice solving statistical problems and interpreting research findings

Four other activities

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Join a study group to discuss course topics

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Engaging in peer discussions fosters critical thinking, promotes diverse perspectives, and enhances your learning.

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Find or form a study group with classmates
Set regular meeting times and schedules
Review course material, discuss concepts, and share insights

Analyze case studies on health disparities

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Analyzing case studies will help you develop critical thinking skills in identifying and addressing health disparities.

Browse courses on Case Studies

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Review the case study materials
Identify the key issues and challenges
Develop recommendations for addressing the disparities

Develop a social media campaign on health equity

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Creating a social media campaign will allow you to apply your knowledge of health disparities and strategies for promoting health equity.

Browse courses on Advocacy

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Identify your target audience and message
Choose social media platforms and create content
Monitor and evaluate your campaign's effectiveness

Create a comprehensive resource on health equity

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Compiling a resource will reinforce your understanding of the course materials and provide you with a valuable reference for the future.

Browse courses on Social Determinants of Health

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Gather materials from course readings, research, and other sources
Organize and categorize the materials
Write summaries and annotations of the materials

Career center

Learners who complete Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Disparities in Healthcare will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare Administrators are responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating medical and health services. They ensure that their organizations comply with all applicable laws and regulations, and they may work with government agencies to develop and implement policies. This course may be useful to Healthcare Administrators as it provides insight into the social determinants of health and how societal conditions affect health equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare Policy Analyst

Healthcare Policy Analysts are responsible for analyzing and developing policies that affect the healthcare system. They may work for government agencies, insurance companies, or other organizations. This course may be useful to Healthcare Policy Analysts as it provides insight into the social determinants of health and how societal conditions affect health equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Policy Analyst

Health Educator

Health Educators are responsible for teaching people about health and wellness. They may work in schools, hospitals, or other settings. This course may be useful to Health Educators as it provides insight into the social determinants of health and how societal conditions affect health equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

Medical Social Worker

Medical Social Workers provide support to patients and their families as they navigate the healthcare system. They may work in hospitals, clinics, or other settings. This course may be useful to Medical Social Workers as it provides insight into the social determinants of health and how societal conditions affect health equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Social Worker

Nurse

Nurses are responsible for providing care to patients in a variety of settings. They may work in hospitals, clinics, or other settings. This course may be useful to Nurses as it provides insight into the social determinants of health and how societal conditions affect health equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nurse

Physician

Physicians are responsible for diagnosing and treating patients. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. This course may be useful to Physicians as it provides insight into the social determinants of health and how societal conditions affect health equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physician

Public Health Nurse

Public Health Nurses are responsible for protecting and improving the health of communities. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, clinics, and community centers. This course may be useful to Public Health Nurses as it provides insight into the social determinants of health and how societal conditions affect health equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nurse

Social Worker

Social Workers provide support to people who are facing challenges in their lives. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and mental health clinics. This course may be useful to Social Workers as it provides insight into the social determinants of health and how societal conditions affect health equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists are responsible for investigating the causes of disease and developing strategies to prevent and control it. They may work for government agencies, research institutions, or other organizations. This course may be useful to Epidemiologists as it provides insight into the social determinants of health and how societal conditions affect health equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts are responsible for analyzing and developing policies that affect the healthcare system. They may work for government agencies, insurance companies, or other organizations. This course may be useful to Health Policy Analysts as it provides insight into the social determinants of health and how societal conditions affect health equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst

Health Services Manager

Health Services Managers are responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating the provision of health care services. They may work in hospitals, clinics, or other settings. This course may be useful to Health Services Managers as it provides insight into the social determinants of health and how societal conditions affect health equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Services Manager

Medical Sociologist

Medical Sociologists are responsible for studying the social factors that affect health and illness. They may work for universities, research institutions, or other organizations. This course may be useful to Medical Sociologists as it provides insight into the social determinants of health and how societal conditions affect health equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Sociologist

Healthcare Consultant

Healthcare Consultants are responsible for advising healthcare organizations on how to improve their operations. They may work for consulting firms or other organizations. This course may be useful to Healthcare Consultants as it provides insight into the social determinants of health and how societal conditions affect health equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Consultant

Medical Writer

Medical Writers are responsible for writing and editing medical content, such as journal articles, patient education materials, and clinical trial protocols. They may work for hospitals, clinics, or other organizations. This course may be useful to Medical Writers as it provides insight into the social determinants of health and how societal conditions affect health equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Writer

Pharmacist

Pharmacists are responsible for dispensing and advising patients on the use of medications. They may work in hospitals, clinics, or other settings. This course may be useful to Pharmacists as it provides insight into the social determinants of health and how societal conditions affect health equity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmacist

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Disparities in Healthcare.

The Color of Law

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This groundbreaking work of history reveals the deliberate policies and practices that have segregated American cities and suburbs, providing a historical context for understanding the social determinants of health and healthcare disparities.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

What's inside

Learning objectives

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Reviews summary

Essential insights for healthcare equity

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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