Russell J. Ledet, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A.’s Post

Dr. Ledet’s post reminded me of my mom’s recent experience with a nutritionist. My parents are Nigerian immigrants and lean heavily on a diet that consists of food from their native country. Their preference has always been to find primary care physicians who are Nigerian or immigrant (especially from Central or South America) because of their cultural understanding. Now that they live in a new state with lesser access to the doctors they’re used to, my mom, a retired nurse, has had to be a fierce advocate for herself when it comes to dietary suggestions. The nutritionist recommended smoothies and salads, foods my mom would never eat, and my mom had to explain that that won’t work and share what she does eat that consists of fruit and vegetables. When she told me all this, I was quite surprised, because her new doctor, and most of her team, is Black. What it reminded me is that being Black is not enough, when it comes to cultural competency: 1️⃣ We need to recognize our privileges and the influence of dominant culture in our recommendations. How many of us drink smoothies and eat salads? 2️⃣ We need to understand where patients are coming from, Black folk are not a monolith. 3️⃣ We need to shift from being paternalistic to being partners with patients. And this doesn’t just apply to healthcare, cultural competency is important in all industries, especially philanthropy and education where power dynamics are constantly at play. #Community #Education #STEM #OriSTEMkit #CulturalCompetency #philanthropy #healthcare

“What is cultural competency and why is it so important to the delivery of healthcare in marginalized communities?” Cultural competency in healthcare means understanding and respecting the diverse backgrounds, values, and beliefs of colleagues and patients. It’s about recognizing that each colleague and patient comes with their own unique set of experiences and cultural contexts that influence their health and well-being. For marginalized communities, this understanding is not just important—it’s crucial. As a Black physician, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that cultural competency can have. Growing up in Louisiana, my community’s way of life was woven into every aspect of who we were. When I became a doctor, I realized that understanding these cultural nuances could make all the difference in how I connected with my patients and provided care. One particular experience stands out. I had a patient from a similar background who was hesitant to follow a prescribed diet plan. Instead of insisting on the standard recommendations, I took the time to discuss their daily routines, cultural foods, and family traditions. Together, we developed a nutrition plan that respected their cultural preferences while promoting better health. This approach not only improved their health outcomes but also built a strong, trust-based relationship. Living these experiences has shown me that cultural competency goes beyond mere understanding. It’s about empathy, respect, and genuine connection. It means seeing patients as whole individuals, not just symptoms to treat. This is especially important in marginalized communities where historical mistrust of the healthcare system can be a significant barrier. Cultural competency helps bridge this gap, fostering trust and open communication. It ensures that care is not only clinically effective but also culturally appropriate. By prioritizing cultural competency, we can improve health outcomes and promote equity in healthcare. Support The 15 White Coats by purchasing apparel or making a tax deductible donation at www.15WC.org and please tell your friends about our nonprofit that is helping in every way to diversify healthcare through scholarships. The best part is that none of us as leaders of this organization get paid, and all of us are minority physicians! #CulturalCompetence #HealthEquity #BlackMenInMedicine #DiversityInHealthcare #PatientCare #InclusiveHealthcare #RepresentationMatters #15WhiteCoats #SupportDiversity #Nonprofit #Scholarships

“I want my patients to know that they can trust me because I have no intention whatsoever of abusing the perceived power dynamic between a physician and a patient.” Trust is the foundation of the physician-patient relationship. It’s essential that patients feel safe and respected when they come to us for care. The power dynamic inherent in this relationship can be daunting for many, especially those from marginalized communities who have historically faced discrimination and mistreatment in healthcare settings. As a physician, I am committed to breaking down these barriers. My goal is to create an environment where my patients feel empowered, heard, and valued. This means actively listening to their concerns, respecting their experiences, and involving them in their own healthcare decisions. It’s about partnership, not paternalism. I’ve learned that fostering this trust requires ongoing effort and genuine empathy. It involves acknowledging the power dynamics at play and making a conscious effort to level the field. By doing so, we can provide care that is not only effective but also equitable and compassionate. Here are a few principles I follow to build and maintain trust with my patients: 1. Active Listening: Truly hearing what patients are saying without interrupting or making assumptions. 2. Transparency: Being open about diagnoses, treatment options, and potential outcomes. 3. Respect: Valuing patients’ input and respecting their autonomy in decision-making. 4. Empathy: Understanding and validating patients’ feelings and experiences. 5. Advocacy: Standing up for patients’ needs and rights within the healthcare system. Building trust is not a one-time effort but a continuous commitment to ethical, respectful, and empathetic care. It’s about creating a safe space where patients feel confident that their well-being is the top priority. Many people ask how they can support the work that I am doing. My unequivocal answer is to follow The 15 White Coats on all social media platforms, visit our website at www.15wc.org, and make a tax-deductible donation to our organization. You can also purchase a sweatshirt to support The 15 White Coats. Please tell your friends about our nonprofit, which is dedicated to diversifying healthcare through scholarships. The best part is that none of us as leaders get paid, and all of us are minority physicians! #PatientTrust #CulturalCompetence #HealthEquity #BlackMenInMedicine #DiversityInHealthcare #PatientCare #InclusiveHealthcare #RepresentationMatters #15WhiteCoats #SupportDiversity #Nonprofit #Scholarships

🌟 EXCITING news coming your way! 🌟 GLOBAL is thrilled to share that the U.S. House of Representatives plans to vote tomorrow night, Tuesday 9/17, on the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act (H.R. 7406) to authorize increased funding for Down syndrome research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Named in honor of GLOBAL Ambassador DeOndra Dixon, this Act would ensure that the Down syndrome community continues to be prioritized in federal health research initiatives, especially those under the NIH INCLUDE Project. Specifically, it would boost funding for five-year periods and ultimately ensure a $250 million/year cap. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3ArbCao We are so grateful for our Congressional Champions, Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Diana DeGette, Rosa DeLauro, Tom Cole, Pete Stauber, Eleanor Holmes Norton, and David Trone, as well as our amazing advocates and self-advocates—we could not do this without YOU! 🙌 👀 Stay tuned for our updates on this legacy bill. We can’t wait to share the good news 🤞 and let you in on our plans to ensure the U.S. Senate also acts on the bill so it can be signed into law by the end of the year! #downsyndromerocks #dsrocks #downsyndromelove #downsyndromeawareness #t21 #downsyndromeresearch #globalrocks #downsyndromeworld #downsyndrome #nonprofit #denvernonprofit #disabilityinclusion #disabilityawareness #disabilityrights #congress

In the health care industry, we understand lead and major donors are motivated differently than the general public, searching for daring, bold causes that stir the imagination and leave a lasting impact. Donors evaluate with their hearts and their heads. On more than one occasion donors have told us, “We’re looking to do more than just support a cause—we want to join a movement!” This puts tremendous pressure on case statements. This document becomes a messaging tetherball between hospital leadership, marketing, physicians, gift officers, board members, communication specialists and even donors. Varying perspectives and personal goals for this document can be overwhelming. Check out the latest perspectives piece from Accordant's Michael Beall to learn how owning your voice and your case statement can help: https://ow.ly/Hz5250UKUTz #healthcare #philanthropy #casestatement #communications

It is no secret the business of health care is experiencing one of its most tumultuous times in history. There is no shortage of reports on the challenging financial health care marketplace. This creates complexities for the C-Suite, challenging them to successfully operate and navigate through the tumult while also staying true to their organizations’ missions, values and visions. In times of uncertainty and financial challenges, campaigns are a crucial lifeline for organizations seeking to sustain their missions and serve their communities’ health needs. These times also create challenges in building and launching large-scale philanthropy efforts. Accordant’s Wave Campaign™ model was developed during less turbulent times; yet, has the adaptability, innovation and momentum generation needed to navigate stormy weather. This model is case-driven, clinician-partnered, organization-aligned and passion-fueled to meet and exceed donor needs. Wave campaigning is structured to ensure sustained philanthropy. Read more from Accordant's Heather Wiley Starankovic, CFRE, CAP, and John Donovan on how to harness the power of the Wave Campaign™: https://ow.ly/ggHo50Rac6U Learn more about Accordant's Campaigns service: https://ow.ly/MRsF50Rac6V #healthcare #philanthropy #leadership #campaigns #WaveCampaign™

Another amazing feature in our Leaders in Business Series, this time featuring the dynamic Dr. Anmar Salman! You probably recognize him from his style blog, Off the Cuff Style by Anmar J., but you may learn something new about what drives him, and how he has curated a practice and life style with great intention. Great work Jesika Arseneau! Take a look and make sure follow TAG HR for more!

Happy International’s Men Day. On 19/11, we celebrate globally the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities. Movember is also the month dedicated to raising funds and awareness for distinctive men’s health issues. I love this year’s theme, "Men's health champions," as it emphasizes improving men's overall well-being and promoting healthy lifestyles. Stigmas out; empathy in. Few facts: 1. Men have a 3x higher suicide rate 2. Men on average die 4-5 years younger 3. 1/3 of men have suffered domestic violence 4. Men are 2x more likely to suffer lung cancer 5. Men are 2x more likely to suffer heart disease Deep heartfelt appreciation to all those who make IMD happen around the globe. It is only when we all, men and women, lead by example that we will create a fair and safe society that allows everyone the opportunity to prosper and be our true and whole selves. 💙💜💙💜💙💜💙💜

The American Heart Association created“10 Commitments” to address barriers to health including adverse social determinants of health, unique rural health issues and structural racism. The commitments are to be achieved by 2024, the AHA’s 100th anniversary, and address key AHA impact areas. These include research, community work, health care access and quality, unhealthy targeting by industry of disadvantaged communities, diversification of the AHA workforce and more. Support the mission today: https://lnkd.in/dgKzWvJe