Former San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor discusses diversity in the health professions during campus presentation

By Kate Hunger 

Former San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor gave a presentation on diversity in the health professions at UT Health San Antonio on October 18.

Taylor’s presentation was titled “What does an Urban Planner know about diversifying the Health Professions?” In it, she shared demographic statistics for several health professions and the urban planning field, as well as ideas for how to increase diversity among faculty and student populations. She encouraged the audience to be aware of unconscious biases and to seek opportunities to learn about other cultures and perspectives. 

“I loved the fact that this not just a medical issue and that the same things apply in her field of urban planning,” said Tammy Harris, MPAS, PA-C, assistant clinical professor who chairs the School of Health Professions’ diversity committee and invited Taylor to speak.

Taylor’s presentation was the first Diversity Lunch and Learn of the 2018-2019 academic year, Harris said. David Shelledy, Ph.D., RRT, FAARC, FASAHP, School of Health Professions Dean introduced Taylor.
 
“While our school does pretty well, we have a fair amount of room to grow,” in regards to diversity, he noted in his opening remarks.  

Taylor also discussed the need to mentor students and create diverse cohorts. Doing so provides support to students who might otherwise feel isolated, Harris said.