By Lindsey Fiori and Ryan Clark
CHS Contributors

In celebration of Black History Month, the College of Health Sciences’ Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion hosted its monthly 3rd Tuesday event on Feb. 21, entitled, “Healthcare in Color: A Discussion of the Experiences of Black Healthcare Professionals.”

About 40 students, faculty and staff turned out for the event, held in CTW 127 (The Commons) in the Wethington Building, and also broadcast on Zoom (students from the Interprofessional Healthcare Residential College also tuned in).

“Come listen to the dynamic stories of local Black healthcare professionals and how they are blazing trails, inspiring others, and contributing to a legacy of healthcare excellence,” organizers said.

Two panelists shared their personal experiences for the event: DeShana Collett, PhD, PA-C, University Senate Council Chair and professor in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies; and Jacqueline Sellers, Human Resources Compensation UKHC Director.

Both had unique views on the topics, as discussion items ranged from how to speak up when there is injustice in your workspace, to how to have those difficult conversations when someone doesn’t respect you as an individual.

Collett, the first African American female to serve as UK’s University Senate Council Chair, shared her story about being in PA school as a single mother who also had to financially provide for her family. She also spoke on the mindset of the healthcare provider and the importance of relating to your patients.

“When you see a patient, it is important to think about how you or your family would want to be treated,” she said. “As an African American female provider, I want my patients to see me as a person. You need to understand the cultural aspect of your patient and what makes them. Finding that commonality with your colleagues, professors and patients will take you very far.”

Building trust is so important, she said. But there is always personal bias.

“Racism and discrimination play a huge impact on the health and well-being of an individual,” Collett said. “Only you can control your bias, but you cannot control the bias of other people.”

Sellers discussed ways to report incidences or aggressions in the healthcare field and noted that when you have to have a difficult conversation, it is important to maintain who you are and come to understand the other person’s perspective.

Those commonalities are important with patients too, Collett said.

“There is always a way to relate to your patients,” she said. “By taking the time to learn about your patients, you are able to a provide safe space and build trust with them.”

“I hope people were able to catch a glimpse of the intersectionality that plays a role in being a healthcare professional and a member of the Black community,” said Uriah L. Carter, director of the College’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “Through the dynamic panelists who shared their experiences, this event had a phenomenal cultural impact.”