Change Starts with Understanding featuring Dr. KeAndrea Titer and Dr. Karla Williams

Intro: In this episode we interview Dr. Karla Williams and Dr. KeAndrea Titer. They are assistant professors of Internal Medicine at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. They are passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion and both work to design initiatives and curriculum focused on recruitment, education, and building community. This includes the AIRR initiative, which we discuss in the episode. In this episode, we discuss creating a welcoming culture in medicine and working to drive cultural change through seeking to understand others. Welcome to Leading the Rounds. 

Questions We Asked: 

• What inspired you to develop the Clear the AIRR initiative? 
• What’s the difference between a macro and microaggression? 
• How should physicians deal with microaggressions? 
• What does your program look like practically? 
• How can leaders manage microaggressions?
• How do you create a culture of occupational wellness? 
• What advice do you have for medical leaders? 
• Book suggestions? 

Quotes & Ideas: 

• Microaggression initiative (AIRR): Assessing, Identifying, Responding and Reporting 
• As a leader, it is important to develop a culture where problems can be discussed openly and solutions can be made. As a trainee, it is important to seek out mentors who will feed into your career aspirations. 
• Diversity and Inclusion programs should highlight mentorship, sponsorship and support 
• “You have not been selected to this program because someone felt sorry for you. You have worked incredibly hard for this.”
• Occupational Wellness: Being in a career that you enjoy, providing value to those you are serving, and having a space to balance your own self care 
• “You should work to see the best in everyone, but never be afraid to challenge them as well.” -Dr. Williams 
• Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve 
• Don’t be afraid to go against the grain and change the culture of medicine. 

Books: 

• Dr. Williams & Titer suggested reading The Bible as a way to learn leadership 
• 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey