Over the past year and a half, many of us became more aware of the manifestations and impact of racism in our society. We have struggled to begin to dismantle and transform the systems that uphold racism, which can feel overwhelming, angering and painful.

During the Story Slam, Jefferson faculty, students and alumni shared five-minute stories exploring the theme “A Step Forward: Moving from Awareness to Anti-Racism in Healthcare” and helped us consider how we can create change and move forward during a time of growing attention to racism and disparities; stand with each other for social justice and health equity; and ultimately, care for our patients, our communities, our families and ourselves. Following the stories, attendees were invited to join brief small group discussions and share reflections and goals for the future.

Storytellers

Renea Berry, BSN, RN, Nurse Clinical Coordinator, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Family and Community Medicine, Jefferson Family Medicine Associates

Iris Burns, MPH, OTD Class of ’22, Jefferson College of Rehabilitation Sciences

Steven Herrine, MD, Professor of Medicine, Vice Dean, Academic Affairs and Undergraduate Medical Education, Sidney Kimmel Medical College

Amber E. King, PharmD, BCPS, FNAP, Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Jefferson College of Pharmacy

Ana Maria Lopez, MD, MPH, MACP, FRCP, Professor and Vice Chair, Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Chief of Cancer Services, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, New Jersey

Danielle Snyderman, MD, CMD, Associate Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine

Moderated by Nethra Ankam, MD, JeffMD Wellness Thread Director, Associate Professor, Rehabilitation Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College.

Co-presented by Jefferson Humanities & Health, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, and the Jefferson Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education (JCIPE).