Ted W. Love, MD’s Post

On March 19 we hosted Own Your Stress, a special event on how stress is impacting Black women and what we can do about it. An immense thank you goes to our panelists, Dr. Jessica Peterson, UChicago Medicine; Dr. Lisa Moore, Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice; and Dr. Camille Williamson, American Medical Association Equity Center. It was an amazing conversation that was a combination of informative, direct, and funny. Here are a few takeaways: - Black women of all ages are experiencing high levels of stress, but what that stress feels like is different from generation to generation. - Stress is killing Black women. Point blank, period. - Reducing stress for Black women requires both individuals and whole communities to be involved. - We need more spaces for Black women to talk openly and honestly about their stress. - Admitting you feel stressed is hard, even for doctors. - Self care requires making commitments you can manage. If you missed it, but wanted to listen in you can download a recording of the conversation here: https://buff.ly/3xlRrJp

As we reflect on Black History Month and the journey toward health equity, achieving this goal requires a collective effort. At Health & Medicine, we are committed to a multi-tiered approach that includes policy and advocacy, community engagement and building power together, improving access to quality healthcare, and focused research on health inequities. Addressing the systemic barriers that contribute to health inequities is not just the responsibility of healthcare providers and policymakers; it is a call to action for all of us. By advocating for policies that address the root causes of these inequities — such as racism and class inequity — engaging with and bolstering the power of communities and supporting research and data collection, we can make strides toward a healthier, more equitable future. This Black History Month, let us not only celebrate the achievements of Black Americans but also commit to the ongoing work of addressing health inequities. Together, we can bridge the gap and ensure that health equity is a reality for all. #TogetherForHealth #EquityInAction #BlackHistoryMonth #HealthForAll #HMPRG #BlackHistoryMonth2024 #SocialJustice #HealthEquityIllinois #HealthyChicago

How do we build a set of solutions that can improve outcomes for Black Americans over the long term - regardless of where they live? In this latest McKinsey Re:Think article, my colleague Duwain Pinder discusses enabling prosperity for Black Americans and how we can scale solutions that show promise to positively impact the trajectory of Black communities. #TheStateofBlackResidents #EconomicMobility #InclusiveGrowth

How do we build a set of solutions that can improve outcomes for Black Americans over the long term - regardless of where they live? In this latest McKinsey Re:Think article, my colleague Duwain Pinder discusses enabling prosperity for Black Americans and how we can scale solutions that show promise to positively impact the trajectory of Black communities. #TheStateofBlackResidents #EconomicMobility #InclusiveGrowth

How do we build a set of solutions that can improve outcomes for Black Americans over the long term - regardless of where they live? In this latest McKinsey Re:Think article, my colleague Duwain Pinder discusses enabling prosperity for Black Americans and how we can scale solutions that show promise to positively impact the trajectory of Black communities. #TheStateofBlackResidents #EconomicMobility #InclusiveGrowth

How do we build a set of solutions that can improve outcomes for Black Americans over the long term - regardless of where they live? In this latest McKinsey Re:Think article, my colleague Duwain Pinder discusses enabling prosperity for Black Americans and how we can scale solutions that show promise to positively impact the trajectory of Black communities. #TheStateofBlackResidents #EconomicMobility #InclusiveGrowth

How do we build a set of solutions that can improve outcomes for Black Americans over the long term - regardless of where they live? In this latest McKinsey Re:Think article, our colleague Duwain Pinder discusses enabling prosperity for Black Americans and how we can scale solutions that show promise to positively impact the trajectory of Black communities. #TheStateofBlackResidents #EconomicMobility #InclusiveGrowth

Being a Black man in Public Health I know my worth but does your company, team, boss know? Having Black people working in public health is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, representation matters. In order to effectively address the health disparities that disproportionately affect Black communities, it's essential to have individuals who understand the cultural, social, and historical factors that contribute to these disparities. Black public health professionals can bring unique insights and perspectives to the table, helping to tailor interventions and policies that are more responsive to the needs of these communities. Secondly, Black public health professionals can serve as trusted advocates and leaders within their communities. Trust is often a barrier in healthcare settings, particularly for marginalized communities who have historically been mistreated and underserved by the healthcare system. Having Black professionals in public health can help build trust and rapport, increasing engagement with health promotion efforts and improving health outcomes. Thirdly, diversity in the public health workforce fosters innovation and creativity. Different backgrounds and experiences bring different ideas to the table, leading to more comprehensive and effective strategies for addressing public health challenges. By ensuring that Black voices are represented in public health leadership and decision-making positions, we can harness the full spectrum of talent and expertise needed to tackle complex health issues. Additionally, having a diverse workforce in public health helps to dismantle systemic racism within the field itself. By actively recruiting and retaining Black professionals, public health organizations can work towards creating more inclusive and equitable workplaces where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully. The importance of having Black people work in public health cannot be overstated. Their representation not only helps to address health disparities and improve health outcomes in Black communities but also contributes to a more diverse, innovative, and equitable public health workforce overall. #blackmeninpublichealth #diversity #innovation #workforce #publichealth

"The woman who doesn't require validation from anyone is the most feared individual on the planet." —Mohadesa Najumi A few days ago, my co-founders, Drs. Suzette Brown, MD, MPH, Nicole Brown MD, MPH, MHS and I met for our weekly strategy meeting. As we spoke, I couldn't help but realize how much this journey of growing our healthcare practice has changed us. You see, there was an unspoken curricula that we were taught to survive in medical school as Black women, which included: 1) changing our voice, speech and tone to make others comfortable, 2) working harder than everyone else to prove that you belonged a 3) silencing our "controversial" opinions to try and counteract the assumption that we are "aggressive" It is now, only in hindsight, that I see how much courage it took for us to leave the traditional careers we cultivated in academia, expose the problems that exist in healthcare and create an organization that challenges the status quo- decentralizing health into communities not clinics. As a result, we have had to do a lot of unlearning and, in the process, have become bolder, more confident and ridiculously more ambitious. (And less likely to smile in meetings just to make others feel comfortable) Our story is not unique, it is similar to the countless Black women clinicians I have spoken to, who also ventured to build what never existed but was so necessary. We could never create what we envisioned, if we continued to believe that our ideas require validation, permission or acceptance. Yet while we don't need a co-sign on our work, we do need community to help us stay confident to continue our work. So, I wanted to share this special LinkedIn love note to my fellow Black women healthcare leaders- those who I've connected to, those who I have yet to connect with and those who I just admire from far- because all of you serve as a reminder of how true Toni Morrison's words are. You, indeed, are your best thing. And even when they try to make us think otherwise, we actually are healthcare's best thing, too.

How do we build a set of solutions that can improve outcomes for Black Americans over the long term - regardless of where they live? In this latest McKinsey Re:Think article, my colleague Duwain Pinder discusses enabling prosperity for Black Americans and how we can scale solutions that show promise to positively impact the trajectory of Black communities. #TheStateofBlackResidents #EconomicMobility #InclusiveGrowth