Diversity

Caleb Frein

St. Francis University

Master of Medical Science/Health Science Program

MMS/MHS 520 Diversity in Health Care

Dr. Melissa Kagarise

Week 1 Writing Assignment

August 21st, 2022

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Introduction

Diversity is an important facet in the healthcare setting as a result of the numerous

benefits it provides. Over the past decade, healthcare institutions have embraced diversity by

implementing strategies to ensure a diverse workforce (Nair & Adetayo, 2019). This is

because, with diversity, an institution can increase its creativity and productivity and improve

its reputation as patients will be able to resonate well with the healthcare institution,

especially on cultural sensitivity.

Groups most significant to my identity

There are groups that are most significant in my individual. The first is gender. I feel

aligned with individuals from my gender because I have a better understanding of the similar

challenges we face. As a natural way of life, society has pre-determined assumptions of

gender roles that provide one to act in a specific way. This has been exacerbated by gender

pay disparity, which has been an issue as institutions provide high-level jobs and better

salaries to men compared to women (Treadwell, 2019). Thus, having individuals from the

same gender who share aspects of my identity provides an avenue that shapes identity with

time. The second is race. Race is one of the most complex and multifaceted factors that shape

one’s identity. Being white, there are ways in which society defines members of the group

with issues of white privilege that only members of my ethnicity can understand how

challenging it is the way society views us. This is because ethnicity and race have been key

factors in one’s life expectancy, access to healthcare and justice (Stepanikova & Oates,

2017). Although one has no control over their ethnicity, they have the power to immerse or

distance themselves from the characteristics of such stereotypes. Thus, having grown up in a

white neighborhood, I feel more aligned with the customs and behavior of the group.
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Last is religion and social status. Coming from a middle-income and religious family,

I have experiences that contributed to my identity formation. Having Christian parents has

shaped my childhood immensely as I have had positive emotional support from the church I

attend. I have had a strong sense of pride due to my religious choice of worship, which

resonates well with individuals of the same faith. Associating with church members has

strengthened that sense of pride over the years, which has provided a foundation not only in

my aspect of identity but also been a foundation of how I align with the group. Similarly,

coming from a middle-income family provides a different view of money. Individuals from a

higher social status have a different perspective on money due to their upbringing. Having

friends of the same social class provides the same perspective on how to spend, especially on

unnecessary things. This provides a foundation where I fit in without much struggle.

Positive experiences that have occurred due to these identities

There are positive experiences that have occurred due to these identities. One positive

experience is the feeling of love and belonging as a result of belonging to a Christian family.

This has provided a greater sense of resilience when facing difficult challenges. Similarly,

being a man has provided a greater sense of responsibility due to societal expectations. This

has provided extra effort to be placed in all facets of my life as gender roles provide, as I have

to be the provider of my family. As a result, I have made huge efforts to succeed in life.

How group identities affect how I relate to others

My group identity affects how I relate with others. This is because the cultures and

customs ingrained influence my decision-making despite taking a more pragmatic approach

to issues. I find myself immersed in how I think, express emotions, approach problems and

conduct my day-to-day activities. In the healthcare setting, my ethical approach is strongly

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shaped by my religious stance, and my moral precepts come from what I believe is the right

thing to do as a Christian.

Conclusion

Diversity is an important facet in the healthcare setting as a result of the numerous

benefits it provides. The groups most significant to my identity are gender, race, religion and

social status. Positive experiences have occurred due to these identities, such as the feeling of

love and belonging as a result of belonging to a Christian family and having a greater sense

of responsibility as a man. Similarly, my group identity affects how I relate with others. This

is because the cultures and customs ingrained influence my decision-making.

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References

Nair, L., & Adetayo, O. A. (2019). Cultural competence and ethnic diversity in

healthcare. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, 7(5).

DOI:10.1097/GOX.0000000000002219.

Stepanikova, I., & Oates, G. R. (2017). Perceived discrimination and privilege in health care:

the role of socioeconomic status and race. American journal of preventive

medicine, 52(1), S86-S94. DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2016.09.024.

Treadwell, H. M. (2019). Wages and women in health care: the race and gender

gap. American journal of public health, 109(2), 208-209.

DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2018.304866.