The Pillars of Anti-oppressive Practice Part 3: Racial Equity
Presented by Ellen Fink-Samnick
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Racial equity in healthcare is more than an ideal—it’s a critical necessity to ensure that all patients receive safe, respectful, and effective care. This course builds on foundational principles of anti-oppressive practice by examining the subtle and overt ways systemic discrimination—including microaggressions, ageism, and ableism—impacts both patients and providers. Through real-world case examples and reflective strategies, learners will explore how to identify and mitigate these biases in everyday clinical interactions. Emphasis is placed on the impact of intersectional identities, the importance of inclusive and age-friendly care models, and the use of validated frameworks to transform practice. Healthcare professionals in athletic training, case management, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, social work, and speech-language pathology will develop critical skills to support equitable outcomes across diverse patient populations and interdisciplinary teams.
Learning Objectives
- Distinguish among microaggressions, microinsults, and microinvalidations, and analyze their impact on patient interactions
- Evaluate how ageism and ableism manifest across patient care, practice settings, and healthcare systems
- Apply strategies and industry models to mitigate the economic and clinical burdens of systemic isms
- Integrate Age-Friendly Health Systems principles and inclusive practices into patient care
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. Defining Microaggressions
This chapter introduces microaggressions—subtle verbal, behavioral, or environmental insults that can undermine inclusion and perpetuate harm in healthcare settings. Participants will explore how intention does not diminish the impact of these actions and how to recognize, reflect on, and respond to them appropriately. Case-based examples illustrate the importance of maintaining empathy, accountability, and a lifelong-learning mindset.
2. Managing Microinvalidations and Microinsults
Expanding on the theme of bias, this chapter distinguishes between microinsults and microinvalidations—two common yet often overlooked forms of discrimination. Learners will analyze how these interactions can dismiss patients’ identities or lived experiences, even when well-intended. Practical strategies will guide providers in creating respectful, affirming environments in which all patients feel seen and heard.
3. Addressing Ableism
This chapter explores the pervasive impact of ableism in healthcare and its intersection with ageism, highlighting how assumptions based on ability or age can lead to delayed treatment, misdiagnosis, and patient harm. Participants will learn how to apply inclusive care models, such as the Age-Friendly Health Systems framework, and will examine evidence-based strategies to prioritize patient autonomy, dignity, and individualized care planning.
