Why Inclusion in Healthcare Matters Now More Than Ever

I had a different newsletter written for today, but that topic can wait. This can't.

I had a different newsletter planned for today, but after the 2024 Presidential election results, I felt called to shift gears. Today, we’re going to talk about something that feels especially urgent: inclusion in healthcare and why we need to make it a priority for women and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) populations.

The truth is, I’m deeply concerned about where we stand. Our healthcare system, while capable of incredible innovations, still struggles with persistent gaps in care for women and BIPOC communities. As a Black woman, I live with these concerns every day — in the U.S., Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts. And since Roe v. Wade was repealed, maternal health outcomes for all women have worsened.

These disparities aren’t just statistics. They are a loud call for a healthcare system built on inclusivity that genuinely sees and serves every patient, no matter their background. Together, we have the power to shift this narrative. Here’s where I believe we need to start.

Priority #1: Removing Barriers to Inclusion in the Healthcare Workforce

Our first step is ensuring that the healthcare workforce reflects the diversity of the populations it serves. Representation at every level — especially in leadership — is essential. Women and BIPOC individuals bring invaluable perspectives to healthcare, mainly because they understand the lived experiences of communities that face the most significant health disparities.

But we know this isn’t happening enough. Many qualified women and BIPOC individuals face systemic barriers to entering and advancing in healthcare professions. The road to leadership roles is even narrower for those who break through. Ignoring these barriers doesn’t just impact individual careers; it weakens the entire healthcare system by limiting the range of perspectives in critical decision-making spaces.

Inclusion in our workforce can't be optional if we’re serious about improving patient outcomes. It has to be a foundational goal. By addressing these barriers — through mentorship, pipeline programs, and supportive organizational cultures — we can bring more diversity into healthcare and empower those with lived experiences to create meaningful change.

Priority #2: Expanding Representation in Medical Studies

When it comes to medical research, inclusivity remains elusive. Women and BIPOC populations are still underrepresented in clinical trials and other studies, often with the excuse that they are “too difficult” to study. This mindset needs to change, and here’s why: without comprehensive data that includes these groups, our healthcare knowledge remains incomplete. 

Consider that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, yet research on women’s heart health remains underfunded and under-prioritized. For BIPOC populations, factors like social determinants of health create unique health challenges. Not including these groups in studies misses crucial insights into how diseases manifest, progress, and respond to treatment in diverse populations.

We must stop viewing certain groups as “too hard” to research. Studying complex populations may present challenges, but the stakes couldn’t be higher. Seeing people suffer from preventable diseases because the research simply wasn’t done is unacceptable. To the medical researchers reading this, let’s step up to the challenge and ensure that every population has a place in our research efforts.

Priority #3: Building Inclusive Leadership in Health Policy

One more critical area where inclusion is essential is health policy leadership. Policy decisions shape the structure and priorities of our healthcare system, yet those most impacted by these decisions are often absent from the rooms where they’re made. When leadership doesn’t reflect the diversity of the communities it serves, policies are likely to overlook — or even harm — marginalized populations.

My educational journey in Sustainable International Development opened my eyes to the importance of inclusive leadership. I learned that having diverse voices at the decision-making table doesn’t just improve outcomes; it ensures that policy decisions are more likely fair, equitable, and beneficial to all.

The EDUCATE Act is a clear example of the risk we face. This proposed bill would roll back DEI initiatives in medical education, directly impacting future healthcare providers' training to care for diverse populations. If this policy becomes law, the consequences for marginalized groups could last for generations. Inclusive leadership is essential for avoiding harmful policies and actively building a healthcare system that benefits everyone.

I Believe We Can Change the Narrative

Inclusion in healthcare isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have if we want to deliver quality, equitable care to every patient. By prioritizing a diverse workforce, ensuring representation in medical studies, and fostering inclusive leadership, we can make a real difference for women and BIPOC populations. This isn’t easy work, but it’s some of the most meaningful work we can do.

I believe in this vision of a genuinely inclusive healthcare system and know we can make it a reality together. Every step toward inclusion is toward a healthier, fairer world for all.

Want more insights on building a more inclusive healthcare system? 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. Let’s make inclusion our priority.