By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director

The reasons of importance can be put simply: To address health and healthcare disparities. To improve patient outcomes. To promote social justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and representation in the healthcare workforce.

That's why, DeShana Collett, PhD, PA-C, says we must discuss the experiences of Black healthcare professionals. And, on Tuesday, Feb. 21, that is exactly what she will help do, as she will be one of a handful of panelists for the College of Health Sciences' latest 3rd Tuesday presentation, entitled "Healthcare in Color: A Discussion of the Experiences of Black Healthcare Professionals."

The 3rd Tuesday Event Series is sponsored by the CHS Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the Charles T. Wethington Bldg, room 127. Food will be provided. There is also a Zoom option.

"Black individuals in the United States face significant healthcare disparities, including higher rates of chronic conditions, worse health outcomes, and lower life expectancies," said Collett, University Senate Council Chair and professor in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies. "Having a Black healthcare provider panel can help address these disparities by providing culturally competent care and helping to build trust between Black patients and healthcare providers."

But it isn't the only positive to such a panel, she said. 

"Representation matters, and having a Black healthcare provider panel can help ensure that Black individuals have access to healthcare providers who share their cultural backgrounds and experiences," she said. "It can also help to diversify the healthcare workforce, which has traditionally been dominated by white healthcare providers."

And research has shown that healthcare providers can also have implicit biases, ones that affect the care they provide. 

"Having a Black healthcare provider panel can help address these biases by providing a more diverse range of perspectives and experiences," Collett said. 

And it all comes down to one important thing: Helping patients. 

"Studies have shown that patients who receive care from healthcare providers who share their racial or ethnic background have better health outcomes," Collett said. "This is likely because patients are more likely to trust and communicate with healthcare providers who share their backgrounds and experiences."