Greetings, everyone!
I cannot believe that we are in October already. The summer has come and go. We had the SCOTUS decision on the Harvard and UNC cases in June. They came as no surprise for me, but what I got from it was that SCOTUS still recognizes the need for affirmative action to be able to understand how race and racism might impact individual's lives and can be considered. We had a conversation about the SCOTUS decision in our first JEDI Council meeting in September as well (please see summary below). Additionally, we have created a Padlet (linked here) which is a completion resources for those looking to a place to start in building avenues for additional leaning related to Affirmative Action and this decision.
Dr. Van Bailey spoke with us about their life's work for the PRIDE keynote. If you missed his talk, please check out our D2L page to access it here.
In addition to our JEDI at the Park event over the summer and the Boston trivia raffle, Callie and I kept busy with the interview process for the JEDI Fellows as well as the JEDI Office Department Coordinator. Please check out our welcome sections to our new and continuing cohort of JEDI Fellows and welcome Michelle Wallace to our office!
Over the summer and into this fall, I have had the pleasure and honor of working with Denis Stratford and Dean Rosemary Caron to chair a committee focused on our collaboration within and with Mass General Brigham as a priority area for our strategic planning process. There are currently 6 priority areas with equity infused in all of these areas as President Milone-Nuzzo wants our strategic plan to reflect our collective ownership of JEDI at the IHP.
Also this fall, we are rolling out the JEDI Core Competencies mapping and goalsetting with President's Cabinet members and associated offices. It has been helpful to learn more about my colleagues' work as well as opportunities for us to collaborate. To scaffold some of the learning, I have recommended members of these offices as well as others to participate in the Racial Equity and Justice Institute (REJI) programming. We do not have an IHP team per se as all of us are working on JEDI issues across the organization and there are sessions that are applicable to our work. Please review the dates below and add them to your calendar if you can attend! The IHP is a member of the REJI consortium, so these professional development opportunities are free and accessible to us. They also have a call for chapter proposals, so please consider submitting an intent to submit! The deadline is the end of this month.
Dr. Laura Wolford, Dr. Callie Watkins Liu, and I are coordinating an Onramps group to evaluate PPP. We will be analyzing qualitative data to gain insights about participant learning and outcomes. For faculty who are interested in participating in our Onramps group, please feel free to submit your interest at: https://www.mghihp.edu/faculty-staff/compass/promotion/area-scholarly-impact.
I had initially drafted our newsletter message in September before the recent escalation of the war in Israel/Palestine. I am heartbroken over the suffering and loss of innocent people in Palestine and Israel as well as seeing members of our IHP community in pain. This is such a complex issue. I want to center is on how we care for one other at the IHP during these difficult times.
The JEDI Office is working closely with EAP/SAP to schedule processing sessions for IHP members. The JEDI Office will send out communications regarding the sessions once they are scheduled.
Please also know that IHP faculty, staff, and students can reach out to EAP/SAP for mental health support. Please also do not hesitate to reach out to the JEDI Office as we can share resources and develop initiatives and programs to support needs. I am holding office hours on Wednesday 10-11am for anyone who is interested in stopping by to discuss any/all things JEDI.
In community,
Kimberly A. Truong, PhD
Chief Equity Officer
|
|
- Spring PPP Facilitator and Participant Recruitment
- Welcome to Michelle Wallace and JEDI Fellows
-
JEDI Office and IHP JEDI Updates
- Continued JEDI Learning
- Resource Sharing
|
|
Spring PPP Facilitator and Participant Recruitment |
|
Power, Privilege, and Positionality Facilitator and Participant Recruitment
The next PPP panel will be held on January 10th, 3:30-5:00pm (with asynchronous engagement on D2L for a month prior to the panel), via Zoom. We are in need of facilitators as we have only 35 facilitators and need 60 to run PPP. If you have participated in PPP at least once and are interested in facilitating (this counts as part of the participation goal), please sign up here. To participate in PPP, please sign up here. We are able to provide a small IHP-branded gift to student facilitators that can be picked up from the JEDI Office after PPP.
This year’s theme is “Health at the intersection of race, gender and sexuality.”
As in years past, the IHP has an institutional goal of 100% of faculty and staff involvement in at least one PPP per "thematic" year. Participation in one PPP means completing the asynchronous modular content and attending the PPP panel as a participant or helping as a facilitator. The Fall/August session is the second iteration of this theme and the final one will be January 2024.
|
|
Welcome to Michelle Wallace and JEDI Fellows! |
|
Welcome Michelle Wallace! |
|
I am pleased to introduce myself; my name is Michelle Wallace (They/She/Any) and I am the new Department Coordinator with the JEDI office. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Suffolk University and a Master of Science in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Miami University of Ohio. Nationally, I serve as the Community Education Coordinator with the Consortium for Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals (linked). My professional journey has been marked by a steadfast commitment to empowering individuals within diverse communities through leadership development and intersectional community support. The experiences garnered in my previous roles, particularly in an LGBTQA resource center, have provided me with valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, especially in healthcare and I am enthusiastic to work with this amazing community to help foster a more equitable landscape within the health professions. It is with great enthusiasm that I embark on this new chapter, eager to connect with the IHP and the JEDI office in advancing our shared mission for Justice, inclusivity, equity and Diversity. Please feel free to reach out to me at mwallace1@mghihp.edu and I look forward to connecting with you!
|
|
We are excited to announce our JEDI Fellows for 2023-2024. We have a wonderful group of continuing and new Fellows who will be working with our academic departments. To learn more about the JEDI Fellows this year and about our orientation, go to: JEDI Fellows Old and New Share Common Mission | MGH IHP.
2023-2024 JEDI Fellows are Karina Absalon, a first-year Doctor of Occupational Therapy student and Physical Therapy Fellow; Katie McColgan, a School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Dean’s Office Fellow; Brittany Stokes, a student in the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program and GC Fellow; Rebecca Rojas, GC student and Physician Assistant Studies (PAS) Fellow; Laura Gonzalez, Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology student and CSD Fellow; Nikita Desai, Master of Science in Nursing student and School of Nursing (SON) Fellow; Eliza Koso, Bachelor of Science in Nursing student and SON Fellow; and Tiffany Tsang, OT student and OT Fellow.
|
|
Upcoming IHP JEDI Events for the IHP Community |
|
JEDI Open Office Hours
November 1st 10-11am in-person (JEDI Office in Shouse, Room 262 on 2nd Floor)
Please stop by the JEDI Office if you would like to connect with the JEDI Office, need support, and/or want to chat about anything/everything related to JEDI at the IHP and beyond.
|
SON JEDI Fellow Meet and Greet
LEARN ABOUT WHAT THE 2023-2024 FELLOWS HAVE BEEN DOING, SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS, AND JOIN IN SOME GREAT CONVERSATION!
When: October 26, 2023, at 12:00PM
Where: Shouse Room 3222
Contact: ndesai1@mghihp.edu or ekoso@mghihp.edu for questions or accommodations
Lunch will be provided.
|
Pedagogical Transparency of Teaching about Microaggressions: A JEDI Curriculum and Pedagogy Series Session
Oct 26, 2023, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
In this session, Dr. Callie Watkins Liu and Annie Holland will present about different microaggressions workshops cases and the corresponding pedagogical rationale for each of them. Microaggressions are very important to address in Health Professions education, and yet the way this happens will vary depending on the audience and context. By exploring different cases, we hope that participants will walk away with a better understanding of what goes into teaching about microaggressions and will gain insights they can use for their own teaching. This session builds on conversations from the JEDI Curriculum and Pedagogy Community of Practice, and Previous JEDI Curriculum and Pedagogy Faculty Development Day sessions.
|
Equity Advocate Training Program Information Session – October 30th
Faculty and staff are invited to attend an information session on Monday, October 30th from 1pm -2pm via Zoom to learn about the Institute’s equity advocate program for faculty searches. Participants will become familiar with the role of equity advocates, specially trained members of faculty search committees who promote practices that mitigate bias and ensure fair treatment. Those interested in pursuing training will commit to two live workshops and online modules from January 10th through March 26. Serving as an equity advocate is considered a service activity for both faculty and staff. Whether one chooses to serve as an equity advocate after the training or not, all trained individuals become effective champions of inclusive excellence across the MGH Institute community. Please email ihphr@mghihp.edu if you would like to sign up for the October 30th information session and a calendar invite with the zoom link will be sent to you.
|
MGH IHP COTAD Chapter Healthcare Microaggressions Workshop
Join the MGH IHP COTAD Chapter and the JEDI Office for a discussion about microaggressions and bias in healthcare and academia with Dr. Callie Watkins Liu, Director of JEDI Education and Programs. Open to the IHP community!
Monday, November 13th from 12PM-1PM | Shouse 315
|
Mass General Brigham’s 7th Annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summit -JEDI Office Watch Party
On Monday, Nov. 6, Mass General Brigham’s seventh annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Summit will feature engaging speakers, voices from across the organization and top system leaders reflecting on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion issues happening at the local and national level.
Employees can participate in this year’s summit, which will be from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. We will be offering a watch party in Rm166 in building 1CW
|
Recruiting JEDI Student Leaders
Are you interested in joining JEDI-related student organizations as a leader or member? Please reach out to the contacts listed below to tell them about your interest.
MEDS: Minorities Engaged in Dialogue and Service is committed to establishing and strengthening relationships between People of Color at the IHP. MEDS provides a space for community building via dialogue, networking, and service. Contact studentlife@mghihp.edu
SRJH: Students for Racial Justice in Health Care is a group to facilitate dialogue about racial justice, both within the IHP community and beyond. Contact jwong1@mghihp.edu
KinsIHP is club provides a forum for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer-identified students and allies. The club is open to any student who has an interest in LGBTQ-related health. Each academic year, the club invites speakers to address LGBTQ health-related issues. The club also gives presentations on LGBTQ issues for the IHP community. The club is active and has regular meetings and social events. The club also networks with MGH LGBT's Employee Resource Group and has participated in volunteer events at Fenway Community Health in Boston. Contact studentlife@mghihp.edu
ISSAC: International Student, Scholar, and Alumni Club is a club dedicated to supporting its members in the pursuit of academic and social achievements at the IHP, promoting the diverse international cultures to the rest of the IHP community, providing networking opportunities for students scholars, and alumni, advocating for the rights and interests of international students, scholars, and alumni, and encouraging social, intellectual and cultural interactions between the international student community and other organizations at the IHP. All IHP international students, alumni, visiting scholars, faculty members and anyone who is interested in the diverse cultures and lifestyles of the global community is welcome to join the society. Contact studentlife@mghihp.edu
|
BIPOC IHP Family! We invite you all to join us for monthly BIPOC community building spaces! This is a space that intends to create relationships between BIPOC-identifying IHP students, staff, faculty and alumni, through dialogue, social events, programming and more. Please keep an eye out for information about our November gathering.
This space initially started under Shauna Worrell-Waldron in the School of Nursing, was carried on by Jammy Torres-Millet from the JEDI Office and is now being co-hosted with the JEDI Office and different co-facilitators. Let Dr. Callie Watkins Liu (CWatkinsLiu@MGHIHP.EDU) know if you are interested in co-facilitating in the future.
|
JEDI-Related Spaces at the IHP and Beyond
There are several spaces at the IHP that are open to IHP community members. Please reach out to dei@mghihp.edu if you are interested in getting connected to these groups, added to the email listserv, and/or meeting invites.
- Faculty of Color Group
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Employee Resource Group
- Black Faculty and Staff Employee Resource Group
- JEDI Curriculum and Pedagogy Community of Practice
The JEDI Office is happy to support the development of additional employee resource groups aligned with our institutional mission and values. We are also happy to connect IHP community members with ERGs at MGH and MGB, you can find more information about those linked here or can reach out to us to facilitate this.
|
JEDI Office D2L Page
Keep informed about various JEDI Office and other IHP JEDI-related events and initiatives (e.g., Black Employee Resource Group, JEDI Fellows projects, etc.) on the D2L page. We update our D2L page regularly with information and resources.
|
|
JEDI Office and IHP JEDI Updates |
|
Congratulations, Clara!
Congratulations to Dr. Clara Gona for being recognized at Convocation with the JEDI Leadership Award. Please check out this amazing testament to her work in supporting colleagues and students as well as conducting research on JEDI issues.
|
|
Congratulations, Bonnie, Midge, Pat, Keshrie, and Sarah,
|
|
Congratulations, John!
Dr. John Wong has been selected to serve on ASAHP’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee for a two-year term (October 2023-2025). His term will begin at the conclusion of the 2023 ASAHP Annual Conference.
|
|
The JEDI Office Has Moved!
Please note that the JEDI Office has moved to Shouse (Building 36)! If you are getting off of the elevator, take a right and go toward and past the reflection room. We are located in the hallway to the right of the reflection room and left of the Alex Johnson Conference Room.
|
|
JEDI Council Meeting Summaries
At the September 2023 JEDI Council meeting, we revisited the purpose of the JEDI Council, reviewed feedback from last year, and discussed the SCOTUS decision as it relates to the IHP. The JEDI Council discusses strategy and makes recommendations to various decision-making authorities, but we do not have authority to approve policies ourselves. We are comprised of faculty, staff, students, and administrators who are interested in JEDI issues. the JEDI Council is used as a space for us to speak about JEDI issues across the IHP and to gain insights from a broad and diverse group. The IHP is in compliance with the SCOTUS decision and we have discussed a revision to the language on the diversity statement question. Members of the JEDI Council wish to have a conversation about the language that we use (e.g., race neutral) at an upcoming JEDI Council meeting. Other suggested agenda items are to provide feedback on JEDI Core Competencies (linked) mapping to various offices and departments, feedback on the IHP website, and continuing our conversation on affordability from last year.
At the October 2023 JEDI Council meeting, we discussed support for members of our community who identify as Jewish and Muslim and our response to the war in Israel and Gaza. The JEDI Office is working with MGB DE&I and EAP/SAP to schedule additional processing sessions. Paula shared some of the diversity data for students at the IHP. We also continued our conversation about our understandings of the history of affirmative action, where we currently are at as we are in compliance with the SCOTUS decision, and the language we use to describe our approach (e.g,. being conscious and being able to consider individual applicant's experiences with race and racism).
The 2023-2024 JEDI Council meetings schedule is listed below:
- September 19 (2023) (summarized above)
- October 16 (2023) (summarized above)
- December 4 (2023) 12:00-1:30pm EST
- January 8 (2024) 12:00-1:30pm EST
- February 12 (2024) 12:00-1:30pm EST
- April 8 (2024) 12:00-1:30pm EST
- May 6 (2024) 12:00-1:30pm EST
You can also visit the JEDI Council website to find additional information at: https://www.mghihp.edu/campus-and-community-life/jedi-council
We would like to thank 2023-2024 JEDI Council members to your service this year:
- Rebecca "Kiki" Broadhurst
- Amanda Thai
- Osman Tanrikulu
- Oluwatomisin Olayinka
- Rosemary Caron
- Jillian Christine Salis
- Alyssa Liusie
- Antonia Makosky
- Callie Watkins Liu
- Mike Boutin
- M Meyer
- JC Sails
- Gayun Chan-Smutko
- Keshrie Naidoo
- Lesley Maxwell
- Tomisin Olayinka
- Paula Milone-Nuzzo (co-chair)
- Peter Cahn
- Sarah Welch
- Sarah McKinnon
- Steven Ciesielski
- Tasneem Pota
- Lauren Finn
- Kelley Hotti
- Alexis Guay
- John Shaw
- Fatimah Jeudy
- Kimberly Truong (co-chair)
|
|
SHRS Dean's Office JEDI Fellow about the Anti-Oppression Task force in SHRS
This is an expert form an article written by JEDI Fellow Katie McColgan;
With the Fall semester now in full swing, the SHRS Anti-Oppression Task Force has resumed meeting for the 2023-2024 academic year. The AOTF was created in summer of 2020, along with the inception of the JEDI Fellows program, with the purpose of conducting an environmental scan of the IHP. Today, the AOTF space remains a productive space for sharing JEDI-focused projects across our SHRS community. From department curriculum reviews to inter-professional conferences, to BIPOC student mentorship programs, each of the SHRS departments share their collective knowledge and experiences with peers in other disciplines through our monthly virtual gathering. This group brings together the JEDI Fellows and faculty from five SHRS departments: Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Physician Assistant Studies and Genetic Counseling, along with staff from the SHRS Dean’s Office and JEDI Office. This year, we are also joined by Laura Plummer, the Dean of SHRS, who we are happy to welcome into the space.
As the JEDI Fellows program has grown over the past 3 years, AOTF meetings have emphasized the importance of the student voices. We work towards creating a Brave Space, where JEDI Fellows and faculty alike feel that their opinions are valued, their ideas are heard, and feedback is given respectfully. As the JEDI Fellow for the SHRS Dean’s Office, my role is to act as a liaison between the JEDI Fellows and the SHRS Dean’s Office as we plan for our monthly AOTF meetings. In addition, the SHRS Dean’s Office continues its work to create JEDI training resources to adjunct faculty and clinical instructors that work with IHP students. I look forward to another great year working with all the wonderful people that make up the AOTF team.
|
|
Pre-PA Open House
The PA JEDI Subcommittee held the very first pre-PA open house. This event included a mix of over 30 high school and college students, consisting of over 50% underrepresented group such as BIPOC, 1st generation. The agenda for the day included learning about what PA is, the application process, practicing taking vitals, reviewing x-rays, and a Q&A session. There were also opportunities to build mentorship for those interested through connections with current PA students and alumni.
|
|
Do you have updates and resources to share with us?
Please email jedi@mghihp.edu to share any news, updates, JEDI-related projects with us. If there are JEDI-related resources you use and would like to share with others, please let us know. We would love to celebrate with you as well as share information about resources with the IHP community in our Newsletter!
|
|
Ongoing JEDI Office Resources
-
JEDI Office D2L page - Join our JEDI D2L Community Page to connect with resources, information, and to stay up to date on events.
-
JEDI Curated Padlets - These padlets are intended as a collection of JEDI Office curated resources for your own ongoing JEDI learning, you will find different 101 videos, resources on teaching and learning, self-care and action and more. No matter where you are in your journey, I'm sure you will find something useful for your next steps. While these resources are geared towards students, faculty or staff they are open to everyone.
-
Student padlet: https://padlet.com/JEDIOfficeIHP/StudentIHPJEDI
-
Faculty padlet: https://padlet.com/JEDIOfficeIHP/FacultyIHPJEDI
-
Staff padlet: https://padlet.com/JEDIOfficeIHP/StaffIHPJEDI
- JEDI Office Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ihpjedi/
JEDI Curated LGBTQIA+ Padlet
The JEDI curated Padlet was launched in June 2023 in honor of our 2023-2024 PPP theme of "Health at the Intersection of Race, Gender and Sexuality" and Pride month. This padlet includes foundational learning, information about advocacy and allyship and well as information about current legislation. Feel free to check it out and revisit as it will be updated throughout the year. You can find the Padlet on the IHP JEDI Community D2L page, under “JEDI Office Curated Padlets, Book Lists and Links” section.
|
|
Additional Learning Resources Regarding the War in Israel/Palestine
If you are looking to find additional resources to assist in deepening your knowledge for the context relating to the Israel/Palestine conflicts; we have provided some linked below to get you started.
Feel free to reach out to us if there are particular things you would like to learning resources about and/or if you have educational resources you would like to share with us
|
|
HealthStream: MGB Ending Racism: Everyone's Responsibility Phase 2
Members of the IHP along with other MGB entities participated in focus groups that led to the development of this training. This training is required of some MGB affiliates, but for those for whom it is optional, you can log into HealthStream and add it as a course. Simply click on "Catalog," and conduct a keyword search for "racism." This link will take you to the HealthStream website where you can search the catalog.
|
|
Learning Opportunities from MGB DE&I (open to IHP)
‘We Are Upstanders’ Training:
Developing Skills for Addressing Racism and Discrimination in Healthcare
In a live, virtual session with a facilitator and colleagues, this course provides employees with greater understanding and confidence to address racism and other acts of discrimination in the work environment, whether from patients, their visitors/family members, or other staff. Through discussions of techniques, case studies, and policy, participants will develop skills for recognizing when to intervene to disrupt or respond to racism/discrimination, assessing their options for how to act, and enacting next steps.
Enroll at this HealthStream link: CLICK HERE, or search “Upstanders” in the catalog (classes listed in June and July!) CEUs available. For more information, click here.
Questions? Contact Jenna Faltas - Project Specialist, Health Equity, Office of the Chief Medical Officer, jfaltas@partners.org
|
|
Incident/Concern Reporting
Students can report incidents to Jack Gormley, dean of student and alumni services and Title IX coordinator, for students by filling out the new Student Incident Report. This report is not anonymous. The Dean of Students Office shares this information with the department(s). For anonymous reporting, please use President Milone-Nuzzo's Institute Input.
If an employee has concerns related to their work, their manager, or other workplace matters, HR is always a resource to employees if they are not comfortable speaking with their manager. If they are comfortable speaking with their manager, HR encourages that as a first step. Faculty and staff are always welcome to meet with their department Human Resources Business Partner. Employees may also report issues through the MGB system here.
|
|
Coping with Difficult Events in the Middle East
EAP has compiled some resources to assist in navigating and coping with the events happening in the Middle East, you can find those resources linked here as well as how to get in touch with EAP for individual support.
|
|
MGH IHP Ombuds Program For Students
An Ombudsperson provides students with informal, impartial consultation and assistance addressing various concerns in a voluntary, confidential setting.
The role does not include decision-making or policy-setting for the Institute. An Ombudsperson cannot overrule the decisions or sanctions of IHP judicial boards, appeals committees, or other governing bodies. An Ombudsperson does not offer legal guidance and cannot serve as a student’s advisor during meetings or hearings with Institute faculty or staff.
If you have questions about Ombudspersons and how this unique role can support your experience at the MGH Institute, please contact us.
https://www.mghihp.edu/ihp-experience/health-wellness/ombuds-program-students
|
|
Special Circumstances Form
The Financial Aid Office is available to assist students who may be experiencing unanticipated financial difficulties. The Financial Aid Committee will review each application submitted to determine if a student is eligible for funding. We encourage students who have experienced financial difficulties as a result of unanticipated financial challenges can apply. Please feel free to email Deborah Altsher with any questions: daltsher@mghihp.edu
|
|
Free Headspace Account through MGB EAP
- 1000+ hours of mindfulness and sleep content
- Mini exercises for busy schedules
- Proven to reduce stress in just 10 days
|
|
GreenPath Financial Counseling (free)
MGH IHP is an institutional member of the Harvard University Employees Credit Union. Students, staff, and faculty (whether or not you are a member of HUECU) have access to the GreenPath Financial Wellness Program.
As part of this program, you can take advantage of free one-on-one credit, budget, debt repayment and federal student loan counseling. A caring GreenPath expert will take time to understand your financial situation and develop a personalized plan that works for you.
In addition, GreenPath offers the following self-serve resources:
Free Webinars Register today for a free financial webinar presented by GreenPath education professionals. Or watch a recorded webinar at your convenience.
Financial Education Library These articles may help you get out of debt, stay out of debt, plan for major purchases and make smart financial decisions.
GreenPath Newsletter Pathways, GreenPath’s monthly newsletter, offers personal finance advice, tips and financial news updates.
Greenpath Blog GreenPath bloggers provide timely tips and insight on financial issues that may impact you.
Learning Lab+ GreenPath knows that the key to financial wellness is financial education, and that’s why they have developed Learning Lab+, a free online education portal designed by experts.
HUECU is offering a number of workshops, including ones on home loans, student loan forgiveness, and others. To see a list of upcoming workshops, click here.
|
|
Lyra
Lyra is an AllWays Health Partners-sponsored benefit that connects Mass General Brigham employees and their dependents, who have Mass General Brigham Select or Plus employee health plans, to mental and emotional health care that is effective, convenient and personalized. Using technology, proven treatments and a network of top therapists and coaches, Lyra will match you to the right care for your needs, from short-term therapy and coaching to mental wellness tools.
|
|
If you have any money-saving tips or other resourcesto share with the IHP community, please send them our way at jedi@mghihp.edu! |
|
Check us out on social media! |
|
Transforming Institutional Culture and Health Professions Education |
|
|
|
|
|
|
