Autoimmune Disease Taught Me DEI is Necessary and Critical in Healthcare

And, For Those Who Question If Diverse Perspectives Enrich Our Healthcare System, This One Is For You!

After the Supreme Court’s Affirmative Action ruling, I posted a story on Instagram about how healthcare would soon become the next battleground for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). That post sparked a direct message from someone who accused me of being racist and claimed that DEI itself was racist. While I completely disagree with him, I realized it was time to clarify why DEI is necessary and critical in healthcare.

Let Me Stop You Right There Hold Up GIF by Apple TV+

When discussing diversity in healthcare, it’s not just about checking off boxes for race, gender, or other characteristics. It’s about addressing long-standing barriers that have prevented marginalized groups from entering and thriving in the healthcare workforce. It’s about ensuring that the variety of experiences patients bring to healthcare interactions are understood, valued, and cared for appropriately. 

To follow up on last week’s article, I want to explore how diversity has shaped and enriched my experiences as a patient and an educator. By sharing these insights, I hope you can see why DEI is essential to healthcare and why every healthcare provider should be committed to fostering it.

How Diversity Has Enriched My Healthcare Experiences

1. Diversity Has Helped Me Feel Understood

The idea that healthcare diversity can impact patient care might seem abstract to many. But as someone who lives at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities—Black, woman, person with disabilities—I can tell you firsthand that diversity in healthcare has helped me feel understood in ways I never imagined. 

As a patient, I’ve dealt with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren’s syndrome, which require regular checkups and treatments. Over the years, I’ve learned to advocate fiercely for my health, especially when encountering providers who seem indifferent or dismissive. I’ve fired doctors who didn’t listen to my concerns, ignored my symptoms, or didn’t take my experiences seriously. And unfortunately, this isn’t uncommon for Black women in healthcare.

But when I’ve had the opportunity to work with a diverse healthcare team, that sense of being understood changes everything. It’s easier to communicate, my concerns are taken seriously, and I feel like a whole person—not just a diagnosis on a chart. It’s proof that diversity fosters better communication and empathy in healthcare settings.

2. Diversity Has Helped Me Feel Welcomed

After being diagnosed with two chronic conditions, I spent a lot of time at doctors’ offices—between specialists, primary care providers, and other medical professionals. These visits were frequent and could be overwhelming. But what made a profound difference for me was seeing the diverse staff at every touchpoint—from the reception desk to the nursing staff who took my vitals.

Feeling welcome in a healthcare setting isn’t just about the treatment; it starts when a patient walks through the door. This feeling can make or break whether someone like me keeps up with their appointments or skips them altogether. And when you’re managing conditions that require consistent monitoring, as I am, that’s not just a preference—it’s a necessity.

When I see diversity in the faces of the staff who greet me, I feel reassured that this is where I belong. It’s subtle but powerful: diverse healthcare teams create more welcoming and inclusive environments, encouraging patients to stay engaged in their care.

3. Diversity Has Helped Me Receive Better Care

Finally, and most importantly, diversity improves the quality of care itself. Diverse teams bring many perspectives, life experiences, and problem-solving approaches that wouldn’t exist in a homogenous team. 

For someone like me with multiple chronic conditions, culturally sensitive care isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a lifesaver. I’ve experienced firsthand how diverse healthcare teams are more likely to ask the right questions, notice symptoms that others might miss, and ensure that I receive the most comprehensive and culturally competent care possible. 

Whether considering my background during treatment planning or being mindful of how cultural differences can impact my understanding of medical information, diversity in healthcare has led to better health outcomes for me. 

Why Does This Matter to You?

Black Girl Magic GIF

You might wonder why this matters to your practice if you're a healthcare provider. The answer is simple: Diversity improves patient outcomes and staff retention.

When your team reflects the diversity of your patients, you create a healthcare environment that fosters trust, understanding, and inclusivity. Patients feel more comfortable, heard, and empowered to participate in their care. Diverse perspectives also lead to more innovative solutions to complex healthcare challenges, especially when addressing the unique needs of historically marginalized populations.

Implementing DEI practices in your organization isn’t just about compliance or political correctness—it’s about improving the quality of care for all patients, enhancing your team’s performance, and, ultimately, transforming healthcare.

Want to learn more about how you can start making a difference? 

Subscribe to the EBWH Community Newsletter. Every week, you'll receive practical tips, training, and resources to help healthcare providers deliver care that acknowledges each patient’s lived experience.

Stay tuned for more insights on making your practice more inclusive—and, ultimately, more effective.