Antiracism for Healthcare Providers
BIPOC patients, caregivers, and providers are profoundly affected by the implicit bias, systemic racism, and white supremacy that is prevalent in healthcare and in our society. It is not enough for white healthcare providers to "not be racist."
Description
"For many minority health care workers, expressions of patients’ racial preferences are painful and degrading indignities, which cumulatively contribute to moral distress and burnout."
Dealing with Racist Patients by Kimani Paul-Emile, J.D., Ph.D., Alexander K. Smith, M.D., M.P.H., Bernard Lo, M.D., and Alicia Fernández, M.D.
BIPOC patients, caregivers, and providers are profoundly affected by the implicit bias, systemic racism, and white supremacy that is prevalent in health care and in our society. It is not enough for white health care providers to "not be racist." White providers must actively practice antiracism to ensure the best outcomes for their patients and their colleagues.
But it can be complicated. Can a BIPOC provider ethically refuse to treat a racist patient? What about a white provider? Should accommodations be made for a patient who doesn't want to receive care from a BIPOC provider?
Instructors, Anne Kelemen and Kerry Jordan, will explore these questions and more. They will share real-life examples and offer practical strategies to support providers who want to provide exceptional, inclusive care.
Prerequisites
We strongly recommend that before taking this class you take Implicit Bias: Interrupting the stories that prevent us from delivering optimal care or another course about implicit bias.
CE Information
*Please note: In order to be eligible for CE credit, you must register with your full name (as it appears on your professional license) and your license state and number.
This course is listed with the FSMTB CE Registry for 1 CEU for massage therapists.
Approved for 1 contact/clock hours of continuing education credit by the Continuing Education Institute of Illinois in collaboration with the University of Illinois Department of Family Medicine for the following professions:
- Acupuncturist
- Athletic Trainer
- Counselor-Professional/Clinical
- Dentist/Dental Hygienist
- Dietitian/Nutritionist
- Marriage and Family Counselor
- Nurse (APN, RN, LPN)
- Nursing Home Administrator
- Occupational Therapist/COTA
- Physical Therapist/PTA
- Psychologist
- Respiratory Therapist
- Social Worker
Curriculum

Anne Kelemen
Guest Instructor
Anne Kelemen, LICSW, ACHP-SW is the Director of Psychosocial Spiritual Care at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Ms. Kelemen joined the MedStar Washington Hospital Center Section of Palliative Care in 2013. In 2015, she was named MedStar Health Palliative Care Clinician of the Year. Prior to joining the Hospital Center staff, Ms. Kelemen instituted the first palliative care service at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. She first developed an interest in palliative care while a hospice volunteer in Maryland, and then received her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Maryland and a post-master’s certificate in End of Life Care from the Smith College School of Social Work. Ms. Kelemen continues to facilitate support groups for bereaved family members and for teens and young adults. Her research interests include the intersection between language and medicine, non-physical pain, and spirituality at the end of life.
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Kerry Jordan
Instructor & Operations Director
Kerry is a teacher for Healwell and is an essential part of the curriculum development team. She brings 20 years of experience as an instructor and has an extensive background in teaching pathology and physiology and adapting massage therapy for special populations. Before training as a massage therapist, Kerry owned and operated a successful yoga studio in Boston. She has been teaching yoga since 1999. Kerry effortlessly weaves the principles of yoga and meditation into her teaching and service work with yogis, massage therapists and health care providers.
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