As healthcare professionals look for new ways to serve patients and stop the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus in the United States, politicians and insurers have turned to telemedicine to provide care to patients in their homes. The federal government has taken steps to expand and facilitate the use of telemedicine, particularly through Medicare.

Diversity is important, in every walk of life, more so important in healthcare. Clinicians interact with people with diverse backgrounds, race, gender, language and more, on the daily. If you are a clinician already working in the field or gearing up to join the workforce, it is imperative to understand the part you can play in making your current or potential workspace, a more healthy, diverse and inclusive environment.

An inclusive healthcare organization is more than just an HR concept. The lack of an inclusive workforce culture in medical organizations can negatively impact the quality of care provided by impeding scientific inquiry. As several studies have shown, it can keep patients of color and LGBT individuals from actively seeking medical help due to fear of discrimination and ostracization, and thus compromise public health.

Diversity and inclusion are paramount in all areas of life. Healthcare being a service industry caters to a large melting pot of humanity. People of varied genders, ages, races, cultural backgrounds, languages, ideologies, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities, and national origins come to healthcare organizations seeking care.