For Part 2 of Episode 16 on the Pursuit of Health Podcast, we now continue the engaging conversation with physician mentor, leader and pioneer - Dr. Tyree Winters.
Dr. Winters now serves as the Residency Program and Medical Student Clerkship Director, General Pediatric Residency, as well as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lead Physician (Dept. of Pediatrics) at Goryeb Hospital of the Atlantic Health System. Amongst his myriad activities, he is also known for his energetic and engaging work as Dr. Tye the Hip Op Doc to tackle obesity and improve cardiovascular fitness for his followers. He is a cofounder of the ongoing Tour for Diversity in Medicine.
Dr. Winters explains that his consistent calling to provide healthcare in underserved areas. He gives a clear account of the problems he sees - magnified by te Covid-19 pandemic - including the multifactorial causes of the Widening Health Disparities aggravated by lack of physician availability in communities of color. He shares his optimism for the future emboldened by communities of color stepping up to make change and have their voices heard - especially through the all important right to vote.
He emphasizes that the pandemic has further heightened the often overlooked reality that we are all interdependent and must care for each other. As he has done in writing and through countless educational talks, he offers our audience some very poignant advice on How to Battle Racism in Healthcare.
Dr. Winters and Dr. Fethke reflect on the role of the Affordable Care Act as an imperfect start to achieving healthcare equity, though much remains to be done in this regard. They both agree that physicians need to return to the table to bring back the Art of Medicine which has sadly been overwhelmed by the Business of Medicine.
Dr. Winters provides an honest reflection on the Innate Biases we all have as human beings tackling issues including racism in healthcare. He shares an insight into the complexity of thought within the U.S. Black Community which he believes has been well depicted by Eugene Robinson’s book - Disintegration.
We round out our amazing session with Dr. Winter’s account of his collaboration with other physician leaders to create the still active Tour for Diversity in Medicine started in 2012.
You can follow Dr. Eric Fethke on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tik Tok @drfethkemd. (This episode will also be available in video format on Youtube @drfethkemd.)
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