Abstract
Prior to the pandemic, two-thirds of universities and colleges administered courses in the traditional face-to-face setting. After the abrupt change due to the pandemic, educators submerged themselves in virtual pedagogy and forged ahead in preparing the future workforce. An area that may have been overlooked was ensuring the learning environment remained diverse, equitable, and inclusive for all learners. Vital to students matriculating through programs and entering the healthcare workforce is recognizing and understanding student learning styles and having an ecological glimpse of circumstances that may affect their learning. Employing the intersectionality framework to explore inequities exacerbated by students' identities is a starting point. Implementing strategic priorities and DEI practices to decrease the equity gap that exists in the healthcare system and higher education institutions is essential. Health profession educators play a unique role in serving as change agents for future healthcare professionals who have a direct impact on health outcomes.
TopBackground
The COVID-19 pandemic brought to light complexities that exist in the healthcare system. Particularly, health and healthcare disparities were on display in the disproportionate rate of infections, hospitalizations, and mortality, which affected BIPOC in comparison to White people as, depicted in Table 1. For instance, American Indian/ Alaska Native persons had 3.3 times more hospitalizations than White persons.
Table 1. Comparison by race/ethnicity of Covid rates of infection, hospitalization, and deaths as of May 1, 2021
| Rate ratios compared to White persons | Hispanic or Latinx persons | Black/African American persons | Asian persons | American Indian/ Alaska Native persons |
| Cases | 2.0X | 1.1X | 0.7X | 1.6X |
| Hospitalizations | 2.8X | 2.9X | 1.0X | 3.3X |
| Deaths | 2.3X | 1.9X | 1.0X | 2.4X |
Source: (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021)
Key Terms in this Chapter
Symbolic Curriculum: Serves as a supplement to convey representation of content in various ways. Examples include storyboards, images, celebrations of diverse cultures.
Implicit Bias: Unconscious attitudes and stereotypes towards a person or population.
Student Engagement: Students are attentive, interested and engaged in class lectures, discussions, and activities.
Social Determinants of Health: The environment in which one lives, works, and goes to school is a greater determinant of their health status.
Equity: Fair practices and policies that allow all students to have an opportunity at success.
Biopsychosocial: Integrating biological, psychological, and social contexts.
Inclusion: The practice of providing a safe space and including resources and opportunities for all (especially for those who are marginalized).
Culturally Responsive Teaching: A pedagogy that lays emphasis on the importance of including cultural attributes in all aspects of learning.
Intersectionality: A framework for understanding how the interrelation of identities (such as race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, nationality, religion, ability, and age) can overlap.
Diversity: Understanding and recognizing differences in people. This extends to race/ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, nationality, religion, ability, and age.