Tomorrow is Juneteenth!
As the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC, we take this moment to honor Juneteenth, a pivotal day in American history. On June 19, 1865, the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom, marking an end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth is not only a celebration of freedom but also a time to reflect on the struggles and achievements of African Americans throughout history.
Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in every facet of our society, including healthcare. The field of anesthesiology, like many others, has a history of underrepresentation of African Americans. Recognizing this history is the first step towards fostering an environment where all individuals can thrive and contribute to the advancement of health and medical sciences and patient care.
In our department, we are committed to celebrating and promoting diversity. We recognize that diverse teams bring diverse perspectives, which enhances creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. This is particularly important in anesthesiology and perioperative medicine, where the health and lives of our patients depend on our ability to work collaboratively and think critically.
Our efforts to promote diversity include:
- Recruitment and Retention: We are dedicated to increasing the representation of African Americans and other underrepresented groups within our department. This includes targeted recruitment efforts, mentorship programs, and support networks to ensure that all team members feel valued and supported.
- Education and Awareness: We are working to offer education and resources on cultural competency, implicit bias, and the history of medical disparities. This will ensure that our team is not only aware of the challenges faced by minority patients but is also equipped to address these challenges with sensitivity and understanding.
- Community Engagement: Members of our department are actively engaged with the broader community to promote health equity. This includes partnerships with nonprofit organizations, participation in career fairs, and educational outreach to underserved populations.
In celebrating Juneteenth, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing health equity. This involves addressing the social determinants of health that disproportionately affect African American communities, such as access to healthcare, socioeconomic status, and environmental factors. By working to eliminate these disparities, we strive to ensure that all patients receive the highest quality of care.
As we honor Juneteenth, we reflect on the progress that has been made and recognize the work that still lies ahead. The Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC is proud to stand alongside our colleagues, patients, and community members in this journey towards a more equitable and inclusive future.
Let us celebrate the progress made, acknowledge the challenges that remain, and continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion are woven into the very fabric of our department. Together, we can create a healthcare system that is reflective of the diverse society we serve, where every individual is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.
Happy Juneteenth!
Kimberly Cantees, MD, MBA
Vice Chair for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine
University of Pittsburgh and UPMC