Across Penn Medicine, critical work is taking place to determine how our health system can support Black and other minority employees, champion justice and equality in the communities we serve, and use this pivotal moment as a catalyst for sustainable, transformative change. On June 12, Pennsylvania Hospital took the first step with a conversation focused on institutional and systemic racism — and I say “first step” deliberately.
Building an anti-racist organization requires that we all first examine our own privileges, biases, and behaviors. No matter how uncomfortable the conversations are at first, we all must commit to developing a culture that is fair, just, and equitable, addressing disparities in our community, and backing up our words and promises with concrete, consistent actions. Lasting change starts with each of us, and I am confident that, together, we will build a better Pennsylvania Hospital.
I would like to express my appreciation for Bonita Ball and the Cultural & Community Awareness Council for creating a safe, open forum for staff to voice their concerns and share their experiences; for chaplain Brian Dunlop (profiled in this issue), Tracy King, and Dr. Paris Butler, who impressed upon us the importance and urgency of this work; for CHRO Christine Tierney, who offered guidance on how we can embark on this journey; and for all of the employees who joined us in person or virtually and posed powerful questions for us to consider. I am deeply grateful for this invaluable glimpse into our staff's experiences, and I am looking forward to continuing this vital dialogue.
At the system level, Penn Medicine’s Office of Inclusion and Diversity, Penn Medicine Academy, and institutional leaders have partnered to develop the Action for Cultural Transformation (ACT) initiative and roll out implicit bias workshops for all staff. At the hospital level, our Executive Leadership Team is eager to take further action in response to the specific needs of the Pennsy community. I am finalizing our action plan and will share it with our community in the upcoming weeks.
As headlines and media coverage shift the public spotlight away from racial injustice, it is essential that we nevertheless remain focused on this urgent issue and continue to listen, learn, and grow. Thank you for your continuing commitment to our hospital and community.