{"id":96232,"date":"2023-02-22T02:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-22T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/?p=96232"},"modified":"2023-02-21T08:55:49","modified_gmt":"2023-02-21T14:55:49","slug":"recognizing-black-health-professionals-maribeth-clifton-otd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/2023\/02\/22\/recognizing-black-health-professionals-maribeth-clifton-otd\/","title":{"rendered":"Recognizing Black health professionals: Maribeth Clifton, OTD"},"content":{"rendered":"
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For Black History Month, UNMC celebrates the achievements and contributions of Blacks and African Americans and encourages the community to reflect on our nation\u2019s history. A series of activities are planned throughout February.<\/a> UNMC also will highlight the perspectives of Black health professionals at the medical center.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, UNMC Today recognizes Maribeth Clifton, OTD, assistant professor, UNMC Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is it important to you that we celebrate Black History Month in health care?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The history of Black individuals and their involvement in health care is rarely acknowledged and often misunderstood. It is especially important that we celebrate Black history in health care as a way to understand the historical and contemporary discrimination and inequities that Black individuals experience, which are the root of many social, health and health care disparities. Furthermore, Black individuals have contributed significantly to advancement and innovation in the health care field, and it is important that we give the rightful acknowledgement to these individuals and celebrate their contributions. Health care providers should challenge themselves to learn more about Black history and the Black communities they serve, not only this month, but every month to ensure culturally responsive, inclusive and equitable care. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What can we do to support Black individuals pursuing or interested in a career in health care or public health?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To fully support Black individuals in pursuing a career in health care, we must ensure that academic institutions foster a sense of inclusion and belonging. This means that programs\/departments training future health care professionals must take steps beyond recruiting diverse applicants and focus on how these students feel<\/em> within their academic learning environment. Fostering a supportive learning environment for Black individuals can and should include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n