Page 21 - SCIE Ambassador Program Strategic Brief

Recommendation: More Diversity/Cultural Events, Workshops, Skits, Videos
Ambassadors: Thuy Sandy Pham, Indira Miller, Vanessa Mitchell, Nourhan Ibrahim

Facilitator: Logan Vetrovec, M.Ed., Director of Strategic Engagement, Student Initiatives & Inclusion

Outline of the Recommendation

While this group was tasked with discussing increasing events and workshops outside of the classroom,
much of their discussion included ways to incorporate such experiences in the classroom. In discussing
diversity and cultural events, SCIE Ambassadors stated their belief that more events are not needed.
However, it is recommended that existing events be better advertised. Specific suggestions as to how to
do so include the Health Sciences Student Newsletter and the SGA listserv. Relatedly, it is
recommended that the co‐curricular course, HumanCare, continue to be offered and that schools
require students to take the course.

In an effort to improve healthcare providers’ understanding of the experiences of patients from
underrepresented backgrounds, SCIE Ambassadors recommend the use of videos of patient
testimonials. These videos should give patients the opportunity to describe both positive and negative
experiences they’ve had interacting with providers. This would allow students to hear firsthand the
impact that attitudes and behaviors have on patients. Alternately, this could be achieved in patient
panels.

Similar to the recommendation from another group, these SCIE Ambassadors recommend infusing the
existing curriculum with lectures and workshops focused on diversity and inclusion. Specifically, it is
recommended that these lectures occur in a series of two to three sessions that include a requirement
for a group role play or skit. These skits would allow students to ………WHAT WERE AMBASSADORS
HOPING TO ADDRESS WITH THE SKITS? It is further recommended that these series be taught by guest
lecturers who may be more adept at facilitating such training experiences. SCIE Ambassadors identified
potential existing courses where these recommendations might be easily implemented. These include
the Interprofessional Education course, Simulation Labs, the Physician, Patient and Society course in the
School of Medicine, the Introduction to Nursing course in the School of Nursing, and in the final
semester in the Clinical Lab Sciences program. While there will be variability across schools in terms of
the most appropriate course where these series can be included, it is recommended that they be
introduced during orientation and that students be exposed to them during their first year of study
where possible.

Who are the Strategic Partners?

The Deans of each school, as well as Department Chairs, were identified as strategic partners for this
recommendation. Similarly, faculty members who organize and facilitate orientations would also be
needed as partners. Additionally, the Office of the Vice President for Health Sciences and possibly the
Center for Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Care were also identified as critical partners.

What Resources are Needed, Financial and Human?

A dedicated staff member would be needed to ensure implementation of these ideas. This person could
be available to faculty in each of the five schools to assist with coordinating these efforts, or could be
individuals within each school identified to aid in the implementation. This person could also be helpful
in recruiting patients to participate in the development of videos or panels. Further, this individual

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