Symposium Objectives
At the conclusion of the symposium, attendees should have gained increased awareness of:

1. The impact of history on current health inequities,
2. Social determinants of health,
3. The role of art and activism in advancing health equity.

The majority of the cost of participation is underwritten with funding provided by the VCU Office of Health Equity. Your cost is only $25 through September 14, 2022, or $35 when registering between September 15-18. We encourage everyone to attend the symposium in person; however, if that is not an option, the two keynote addresses and Q & A sessions will have a virtual attendance option.

Keynote Descriptions

We encourage everyone to attend the symposium in person; however, if that is not an option, the two keynote addresses and Q & A sessions will have a virtual attendance option.

Medical Racism Then & Now: When You Know Better, You Do Better, Deirdre Cooper Owens, Ph.D.
Funded by the Inaugural Kaplowitz/Garland Lectureship in Health Equity
Medical racism is a civil and human rights issue and public health crisis. Dr. Deirdre Cooper Owens will provide a historical review of slavery and the development of modern American medicine, focusing on the early "fathers" of American gynecology as symbols of medicine's racist structure and how inequalities happen because of structural defects, especially in reproductive medicine, resulting in the current maternal morbidity/mortality crisis.

Mothers of Gynecology, Michelle Browder
For the first time since the civil rights movement there is a national reckoning around race in America. Montgomery, Alabama is widely known as the cradle of the confederacy and the birthplace of the civil rights movement. Montgomery, Alabama gave birth to notable musical talents, world renowned folk artists, authors, and abolitionists. Michelle Browder will share how she participates in this reckoning by finding creative ways to honor the voiceless, the minimized, the ignored. She created the “Mothers of Gynecology” monument, to honor the sacrifice of Anarcha, Lucy, and Betsey, the enslaved experimental subjects of the so-called “father of gynecology,” J. Marion Sims.

Workshop Tracks

Intersection of Arts and Health Equity Track

Using Art and imagery to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, Muzi Branch, MAE
We will explore how the Arts in Healthcare Program at VCU Health uses artwork and imagery to encourage, uplift, and make all who enter our facilities feel welcome.The session begins with an overview of Arts In Healthcare after which, there will be a general introduction to the visual arts collection at VCU Health and to its significance not only to creating the healing environment, but also to the support of the artists’ community. It is followed by a hands-on session during which an art making activity is used to illustrate the application of art to promote cultural inclusivity.

Incorporating Art in Healthcare Delivery, Holly Alford, MFA
Art and design can play a critical role in making people feel welcome and ready for treatment, while also helping them to feel comfortable and dignified. In this workshop, we will discuss arts and health collaborations such as creating pajamas specifically designed to accommodate a chemo port.

History and Health Inequities Track

The Geography of Climate Inequities, Jeremy Hoffman, Ph.D.
Maps of sociodemographic and health outcomes in our communities look just like maps of climate change risks like extreme heat and precipitation. Why? In this workshop, we will examine the history of these patterns and work collaboratively on strategies that not only would intervene on health, but also actively increase the climate resilience of our communities.

Towards Race-Conscious Medicine, Meera Pahuja, MD
This workshop will discuss race as a socio-political construct and its impact on health outcomes, the difference between race and ancestry, and when using race is helpful in clinical decision making. We will also explore techniques to advocate for equity and reduce racism when using guidelines and clinical algorithms.

Optional film screening, panel discussion and reception
The VCU Office of Health Equity hosts The Color of Care film screening, panel discussion and reception on September 27 from 4-7 p.m., at the Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA), 601 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220. This documentary from executive producer, Oprah Winfrey, chronicles how people of color suffer from systemically substandard healthcare in the United States and how COVID-19 has exposed the tragic consequences of this inequity. Dr. Carlos Smith, Director, Diversity, Ethics and Inclusion at the VCU School of Dentistry, will lead a panel discussion following the film. Light refreshments and fellowship will be available immediately following the program. This event, co-sponsored by VCU Health and the VCU School of Dentistry, is free and open to the community, but space is limited. Registration is required and you will select the option to attend during the checkout process.

We encourage everyone to attend the screening in person; however, if that is not an option, a virtual viewing will be available. We will provide a link in advance of the screening event to all registrants.

Attendance at this event will meet partial requirements towards earning a foundational History and Health digital badge, and count towards the VCUHealth Systems DEI learning requirements.

Sorry, this course is inactive. Please contact our office to see if it will be reinstated, or if alternative classes are available.