The Pillars of Anti-oppressive Practice Part 1: Anti-racism Practices
Presented by Ellen Fink-Samnick
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Healthcare professionals regularly encounter challenges that stem from systemic power imbalances and structural inequities, which can profoundly affect patient care and workforce well-being. This course introduces the framework of anti-oppressive practice, with a focused lens on anti-racism. Participants will explore foundational concepts of this theory, such as cultural humility, implicit bias, social justice, racial equity, and regulatory responsibilities, learning how each plays a critical role in reducing disparities and promoting equitable care. With an emphasis on real-world case scenarios, evidence-based strategies, and cross-disciplinary relevance, this course equips healthcare providers with tools to recognize and address racism and bias in their clinical settings. It is designed for professionals in athletic training, case management, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, social work, and speech-language pathology working across diverse environments—including outpatient and acute care as well as community health and academic settings. This first installment in a three-part series lays the groundwork for cultivating inclusive and just healthcare practices that elevate both patient outcomes and team dynamics.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the five components of anti-oppressive practice
- Analyze the key elements of psychological safety
- Implement concepts of psychological safety across settings
- Distinguish between models of trauma-directed practice and leadership
- Apply trauma-directed care to practice
- Apply course content to industry-established resources of guidance (e.g., standards of practice, codes of ethics)
Meet your instructor
Ellen Fink-Samnick
Dr. Ellen Fink-Samnick is an award-winning industry entrepreneur who empowers healthcare’s interprofessional workforce. She is known as Professional Case Management’s Ethical Compass and for her work in health equity, integrated care, interprofessional teams, professional case management, quality, and trauma-informed…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Foundations of Anti-oppressive Practice and Anti-racism
This chapter introduces the concept of anti-oppressive practice, outlining its five core elements: cultural humility, implicit bias, racial equity, social justice, and anti-racism. The content emphasizes how systemic power imbalances manifest in healthcare interactions and explores practical approaches to addressing racism beyond awareness—through sustained action and policy change. Healthcare professionals will reflect on their ethical codes and the impact of these principles on everyday clinical decisions.
2. Creating Psychological Safety
This chapter explores psychological safety as a fundamental component of effective, equitable care. Participants will learn how creating safe environments for patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams enhances communication, collaboration, and patient engagement. The chapter outlines concrete strategies for fostering trust and transparency, supporting ethical practice, and promoting shared decision-making—key to achieving optimal outcomes and organizational excellence.
3. Trauma-Directed Practice and Leadership
Building on the previous chapter, this section delves into trauma-informed and trauma-directed approaches that prioritize emotional safety and resilience. It highlights how trauma impacts patients and providers alike and introduces leadership strategies that support staff well-being and retention. By integrating these principles into care and supervision, healthcare professionals can lead with empathy, reduce burnout, and build sustainable systems that recognize and respond to trauma in all its forms.
