On today’s episode of The Race to Value, Ashley sits down with her colleague and friend, Dr. Melissa McLaren to discuss the importance of DEI in Healthcare and Education, and why building inclusivity is not just a buzzword, but something that is vital for the future.

Dr. McLaren is an Associate Dean and Academic Program Director at the Leavitt School of Health at Western Governors University.  She graduated with her BSN from The Ohio State University and her Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Minnesota. She received her master’s in management and leadership and an MBA from Western Governors University. Melissa and her family have engaged with lawmakers at the local and state level, as well as the Congressional LGBTQ Equality Caucus and the US Department of Health and Human Services in support of gender-affirming care and other LGBTQIA+ rights. They have spoken at state and national conferences to educate on the importance of family support when raising a transgender child. Dr. McLaren has partnered with organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign, Welcoming Schools, PFLAG, the ACLU, TransOhio, Equality Ohio, and many others to advocate for transgender youth.  Dr. McLaren currently serves on the Human Rights Campaign Parents for Transgender Equality National Council. She is a board officer for Equality Ohio and was an inaugural board member of her local LGBTQ+ organization. She is a member of the AACN DEI Leadership Network Communications Committee. She lives in Ohio with her husband of 20 years, 19-year old twins, 2 dogs, and several entitled cats.

Previous Episode: Ep 137 – Authentic Truth, Love, and Compassion: A Family’s Journey in Gender-Affirming Care, with Melissa and Conner McLaren – The Race to Value Podcast™

0:50: Defining Diversity and Inclusion

4:52 Why is diversity and inclusion so important in today’s society?

9:34: How the impacts of disparities and health inequities affects absolutely everyone

13:30: How treatment of patients differs based on insurance status

21:00: Education related healthcare burdens, and how education has an impact.

24:00: How diversity enriches the learning experiences in educations settings

33:24 Stories about successful inclusive educational initiatives

38:00 Shifting policies and practices

39:30: Dr. McLaren’s personal story