Healthcare workplaces often face the complex issue of health equity. A new book, “Racism, Microaggressions, and Allyship in Health Care: A Narrative Approach to Learning,” delves deep into this matter. Dr. Ifeolorunbode (Bode) Adebambo, the Interim Chair of MetroHealth’s Department of Family Medicine, and Adam Perzynski, a sociologist at MetroHealth’s Population Health Equity Research Institute and the Center for Health Care Research and Policy, have taken on the task of examining how racism manifests in society through the healthcare lens.

Personal Stories and Their Impact

Both Dr. Adebambo and Dr. Perzynski have shared their own personal stories within the book. As Dr. Adebambo said, “There are things that I have personally experienced or things other people have shared with me. I really wanted to get their stories out there. I wanted to validate what they were feeling and channel it into something that is positive and productive and will be helpful to others.” These personal accounts shed light on the small negative interactions that can serve as opportunities for learning, growth, and improvement.

Microaggressions in Healthcare

The book explores microaggressions in a healthcare environment. It looks at how they occur between healthcare providers and patients, among healthcare providers themselves, and in various settings such as educational curricula. These microaggressions can manifest in both verbal and non-verbal behaviors, and understanding them is crucial for addressing health equity issues. For example, a healthcare provider might unknowingly make a comment that makes a patient feel excluded or undervalued. By bringing these issues to light, the book aims to create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare environment.

Allyship and Its Challenges

Allyship is another important aspect explored in the book. It examines the meaning, controversy, and difficulty of being an ally. Dr. Adebambo and Dr. Perzynski have included discussions and questions to help readers explore their own reactions and find effective local solutions. Allyship is not always easy, but it is essential for creating a more just healthcare system. By understanding the challenges and working together, healthcare professionals can make a positive impact.

Lessons from Healthcare Executives

The book also includes a chapter filled with lessons and reflections from the lifelong experiences of several healthcare executives from racial and ethnic minority groups. These executives share their insights and experiences, providing valuable perspectives on how to address health equity issues. Their stories highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in healthcare and offer practical suggestions for creating a more equitable workplace.

Educational Resource and Beyond

“Racism, Microaggressions, and Allyship in Health Care: A Narrative Approach to Learning” is not only a valuable resource for healthcare professionals but also for educators and students. It provides a way to talk about these hard topics with learners and can be used as a training tool for hospitals and health systems. By using narrative approaches, the book helps to break down barriers and foster understanding and empathy among healthcare workers.This book is an important contribution to the field of healthcare, highlighting the need for continued efforts to address health equity and create a more inclusive and just healthcare system. It offers practical insights and strategies for healthcare professionals and educators alike, and its impact is sure to be felt for years to come.