Education & Training
The purpose of these foundational trainings is for University of Minnesota Medical School staff and faculty to develop a crucial baseline knowledge of the fundamentals of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and its intersection with our work with various stakeholders in the healthcare field.
Foundational Trainings
The purpose of these foundational trainings is for University of Minnesota Medical School faculty to develop a crucial baseline knowledge of the fundamentals on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and its intersection with our work with various stakeholders in the healthcare field.
The University’s Office of Equity and Diversity also offers trainings within the scope of DEI, but our team’s intention is to relate the material more specifically to those within the Medical School. We encourage Twin Cities and Duluth Medical School staff and faculty to start here.
These trainings will help us better understand why these DEI elements are core to our work in the pursuit of excellence in our medical discovery and patient care. Additionally, we are striving to increase diversity in the medical field to reflect the communities we serve, especially those who are underserved and historically marginalized.
Each session is a live, interactive, virtual 90-minute training and will include large group grounding and discussions, interactive breakout rooms, opportunities to engage in self-reflection and self-assessment, and actionable takeaways. Attendees may receive 15-20 minute pre-work content to prepare to come fully engaged in each session. Due to the importance of confidentiality, our workshops are not recorded.
Below you will see the list of our four-part foundational training series. We encourage teams and departments to go through each of these trainings, which can be refined and personalized for your group.
Interested in this training? We can accommodate requests. Please complete this contact form. A minimum of 6 registrants is required.
Implicit Bias
Description: Implicit Bias is a form of prejudiced attitudes, actions, and behaviors that occur automatically and unintentionally, that nevertheless affects judgments, decisions, and behaviors. In order to remain excellent and innovative, we must embrace diversity of thought, actions, and lived experiences. Our awareness of implicit bias will help us strengthen our decision making that allows us to boldly walk in our mission. This training is designed for preparing search and selection committees; however, all Medical School staff and faculty are welcome to attend and engage.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to define implicit bias and process how it shows up every day.
- Participants will be able to engage in reflective practices.
- Participants will be able to determine action steps to combat implicit biases.
Upcoming Dates:
Bystander Interventions
Description: Bystander interventions are about recognizing a potentially harmful situation or interaction and choosing to respond in a way that could positively influence an outcome. In the medical field, all voices are not always heard, yet with our teams we want to ensure that everyone feels value for who they are and their expertise. This training is a skill-building process that helps attendees recognize harm and analyze the consequences of our actions–or inactions.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to define bystander and process how it shows up every day.
- Participants will be able to engage in reflective practices.
- Participants will be able to determine action steps to become an active bystander
Microaggressions & Macroaggressions
Description: A microaggression is an indirect, subtle, or unintentional discrimination against members of a marginalized group. A macroaggression is a large-scale or overt aggression toward those of a marginalized group. The consequences of these everyday occurrences impede the work we do with others and the progress we make as a collective to create belonging for all our community members. This training allows attendees to be mindful of these types of discriminatory practices and how to address them in team dynamics.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to define microaggressions and macroaggressions and process how they show up every day.
- Participants will be able to engage in reflective practices.
- Participants will be able to determine action steps to combat micro and macro aggressions
Micro Affirmations and Allyship: Addressing Workplace Toxicity and Power Dynamics
Description: Micro affirmations are small acts of appreciation, praise, and recognition that others provide as feedback and encouragement (Ed Equity Resources). In order to boost morale and ensure value in others and what they contribute to our community and learning environment, we need to address workplace toxicity and power dynamics. One way in which we might do this is through the notion of allyship: the support of and advocacy for those in marginalized groups.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to define micro affirmations, allyship, and power dynamics.
- Participants will be able to engage in reflective practices.
- Participants will be able to determine action steps to productively engage in practices that promote micro affirmations and allyship in a work environment to mitigate workplace toxicity and promote a positive work culture.
Meet the Team
Matt Amundson, MEd, and Shanea Turner-Smith, MSW, LGSW, are the new Learning & Development Managers (L&D) for the Medical School’s ODEI. They look forward to meeting with faculty and facilitating the foundational trainings. Please contact them at amund636@umn.edu and sturners@umn.edu if you or your team have interest in learning and training opportunities!
The Medical School Dean’s Lecture Series is a series of presentations offered to faculty, staff, and students in the Medical School community, as a response to critical issues that are emerging during the pandemic, as well as our efforts to address racial injustice and health disparities within our institution.