S2Ep8: The Intersection of Wellness and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Wellness is multidimensional. In addition to our physical health, wellness encompasses our mental, social, emotional and even financial wellbeing. It’s no surprise that there’s a connection between the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in an organization and the wellbeing of the laboratory professionals who work or train there. Programs that address the unique needs of every employee are integral in creating an equitable, inclusive workplace.  

On this episode of Inside the Lab, our hosts Dr. Lotte Mulder and Ms. Kelly Swails are joined by Mrs. Dana Baker, MBA, MS, MLS(ASCP)CM, Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences at the University of Kansas Medical Center and advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in healthcare and medical education, Dr. Melissa Upton, MD, FASCP, Emeritus Professor of Pathology at the University of Washington and Chair of the ASCP Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, and Dr. Darryl Elzie, PsyD, MHA, MT(ASCP), CQA(ASQ), Laboratory Quality Coordinator at Sentara Healthcare and Founding Member of the Sentara Norfolk General Hospital Executive DEI Council, to discuss the relationship between wellness and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within an organization. 

Our panelists explain why wellness is an essential part of any program intended to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion and how lack of access to wellness services impacts marginalized communities. They explore how the definition of wellness varies by culture and community and share best practices for developing wellness programs that address these issues. Listen in for insight on leveraging data to sell DEI to the C-suite and learn what training programs and workplaces can do to encourage and support wellness and equity in the lab. 

Topics Covered 
·  Why wellness is an essential part of any program intended to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion
·  How healthcare disparities and lack of access to wellness services impact marginalized communities
·  Best practices for developing wellness programs in our workplaces and communities
·  How to create safe spaces dedicated to addressing issues of personal wellness, diversity, equity, and inclusion in laboratory medicine
·  How we might leverage data to sell diversity, equity, and inclusion to the C-suite
·  What professional societies like ASCP can do to help members build healthy working lives 

Connect with ASCP
ASCP
ASCP on Facebook
ASCP on Instagram
ASCP on Twitter 

Connect with Mrs. Baker
Mrs. Baker on Twitter  

Connect with Dr. Upton
Dr. Upton on Twitter

Connect with Dr. Elzie
Dr. Elzie on LinkedIn

Connect with Dr. Mulder & Ms. Swails
Dr. Mulder on Twitter
Ms. Swails on Twitter 

Resources
ASCP 2021 Annual Meeting
ASCP Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Opportunities
Inside the Lab in the ASCP Store