
The DEI Shift
A podcast focusing on shifting the way we think and talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the medical field. The title, The DEI Shift, uses a common acronym DEI (standing for diversity, equity, and inclusion) as a play on the idea of a “day shift”, the time in the hospital when the daytime teams come in, bring fresh perspectives to the issues that arose overnight, and progress patient care forward. This podcast is aimed at: 1) bringing new perspectives and a more inclusive approach to the discussions of diversity issues in healthcare, 2) shifting us away from avoidance, fatigue, and negative connotations that have become attached to these topics, and 3) transitioning these discussions from mere classroom didactics into relevant, day-to-day, organic conversation and application.
Latest episodes

Jul 14, 2025 • 35min
Alaska Tribal Health System - A Model for Rural Healthcare
Join us in learning from Dr. Nora Nagaruk about the ingenuity of the Alaska Tribal Health System and the ways it rises to the challenges of rural healthcare in a culturally integrated manner.We dedicate this episode to the families and communities impacted by the crash of Bering Air flight #445 on February 6, 2025, in which 10 people died about 30 miles outside Nome, Alaska. A community health aide from a nearby village participated in the search and rescue efforts. We honor community health aides' sacrifices to go above and beyond to help loved ones and strangers in times like these. May the spirit of their compassion reach those still grieving.Learning ObjectivesUnderstand the rural Alaska environment and culture, which are the foundation of the Alaska Tribal Health System (ATHS) (“What is a village?”).Describe the need for, and the power of, the role of ATHS Community Health Aide.Appreciate the changes in healthcare outcomes since the ATHS Community Health Aide Program was initiated.CreditsGuest: Dr. Nora Nagaruk Co-Hosts: Dr. Marianne Parshley, Dr. Molly Southworth Executive Producer: Dr. Tammy Lin Co-Executive Producers: Dr. Pooja Jaeel, Dr. Maggie Kozman Senior Producer: Dr. DJ Gaines Managing Producer: Joanna Jain Production Assistants: Clara Baek, Ann Truong Website/Art Design: Ann Truong Music: Chris Dingman https://www.chrisdingman.comConnect with us on Instagram and X at @TheDEIShift and via email at thedeishift@gmail.com!

May 7, 2025 • 31min
Parenting in Medicine, Part 2 – A Conversation with Dr. Charlie Goldberg
Learn with us from Dr. Charlie Goldberg, an internist and leader in graduate medical education, about the impacts of parenting on career development and advancement in medicine, as well as the leave protections specifically granted to physician trainees during their residency and fellowship years.Learning ObjectivesUnderstand how family planning can differ between physicians and non-physicians.Know the minimum standards for parental leave as outlined by the ACGME.Discuss ways in which having children impacts career choice and trajectory. CreditsGuest: Dr. Charlie GoldbergCo-Hosts: Dr. Pooja Jaeel, Dr. DJ GainesExecutive Producer: Dr. Tammy LinCo-Executive Producers: Dr. Pooja Jaeel, Dr. Maggie KozmanSenior Producer: Dr. DJ GainesManaging Producer: Joanna JainProduction Assistants: Clara Baek, Ann TruongWebsite/Art Design: Ann TruongMusic: Chris Dingman https://www.chrisdingman.comConnect with us on Instagram and X at @TheDEIShift and via email at thedeishift@gmail.com!

Apr 29, 2025 • 33min
Parenting in Medicine, Part 1 – A Conversation with Dr. Brindha Bhavan
Join us as we learn from Dr. Brindha Bhavan, an OB/GYN and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility specialist. about some of the unique challenges that healthcare providers face in becoming parents, and different pathways of fertility preservation and infertility treatments that are available.Learning ObjectivesUnderstand differences in fertility and family planning between physicians and non-physicians outside of the medical field.Understand different methods of fertility planning and preservation.List the benefits and limitations of egg/embryo freezing.Know the time and financial considerations of fertility preservation.CreditsGuest: Dr. Brindha Bhavan Host/Co-Executive Producer: Dr. Pooja Jaeel Executive Producer: Dr. Tammy Lin Co-Executive Producers: Dr. Pooja Jaeel, Dr. Maggie Kozman Senior Producer: Dr. DJ Gaines Managing Producer: Joanna Jain Production Assistants: Clara Baek, Ann Truong Website/Art Design: Ann Truong Music: Chris Dingman https://www.chrisdingman.comConnect with us on Instagram and X at @TheDEIShift and via email at thedeishift@gmail.com!

Mar 14, 2025 • 35min
(Under)Representation Series: Occupational Therapy
Make use of the rare opportunity to hear a highly underrepresented voice in Occupational Therapy, learn about his very unexpected path into his career, and brainstorm strategies that all of us, whether in healthcare or not, can utilize to increase the recruitment and retention of underrepresented OTs.Learning Objectives:Recognize and understand the importance of listening to the diverse voices of an underrepresented healthcare field, such as occupational therapy. Analyze and brainstorm the various barriers to recruitment and retention of underrepresented OTs.Examine how the lessons learned from OT can be utilized to foster diversity and inclusion in all healthcare fields and enhance opportunities for underrepresented groups in all professions.Credits:Guest: Daniel Alison, ODT Host/Co-Executive Producer: Dr. Maggie Kozman Executive Producer: Dr. Tammy Lin Co-Executive Producer: Dr. Pooja Jaeel Senior Producer: Dr. Dirk Gaines Managing Producer: Joanna Jain Production Assistants: Clara Baek, Ann Truong, Sanika Walimbe Website/Art Design: Ann Truong Music: Chris Dingman https://www.chrisdingman.comConnect with us on Instagram and X at @TheDEIShift and via email at thedeishift@gmail.com!

Nov 4, 2024 • 25min
Disability and Medical Education, Part 2
Join us for Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Lisa Meeks, a leader on disabilities in medical education and our friend from the Docs with Disabilities podcast, which she founded and co-hosts. Dr. Meeks discusses the prevalence of disabilities across the training and career spectrum, the risks of disclosure that students and physicians with disabilities face, and the resources of which we should all be aware for ourselves and for those around us.Learning Objectives:Investigate the prevalence of disabilities among physicians at different stages of their training and careers.Recognize some of the challenges and risks associated with disclosure of one’s disability.Build awareness of the repository of reliable resources on physicians with disabilities, disability access, accommodations, and stories that one can utilize for themselves and share with trainees with disabilities who are looking for resources.Credits:Guest: Dr. Lisa MeeksHost/Associate Producer: Dr. Candace SprottExecutive Producer: Dr. Tammy LinCo-Executive Producers: Dr. Pooja Jaeel, Dr. Maggie KozmanSenior Producer: Dr. DJ GainesProduction Assistants: Dr. Erynn Beeson, Dr. Andrea Anampa-Guzmán, Sanika WalimbeWebsite/Art Design: Ann TruongMusic: Chris Dingman https://www.chrisdingman.comConnect with us on Instagram and X at @TheDEIShift and via email at thedeishift@gmail.com!

Sep 20, 2024 • 31min
Disability and Medical Education, Part 1
Join us as we learn from Dr. Lisa Meeks, a leader on disabilities in medical education and our friend from the Docs with Disabilities podcast, which she founded and co-hosts. Dr. Meeks discusses the multifaceted aspects of disability identity, centering persons with disability in our language and conversations, and the challenges posed by disclosure.Learning Objectives:Evaluate the multifaceted aspects of disability identity, considering societal perceptions and personal experiences, to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.Differentiate between identity-first and person-first language to foster inclusive and respectful interactions with individuals with disabilities.Investigate the prevalence of disabilities among physicians, critically analyzing research findings and recognizing the challenges associated with disclosure, particularly focusing on intersectional factors such as race and gender.Explore the intersectionality of disabilities within the healthcare context to gain insights into the unique challenges faced by individuals with multiple marginalized identities.Credits:Guest: Dr. Lisa MeeksHost/Associate Producer: Dr. Candace Sprott Executive Producer: Dr. Tammy LinCo-Executive Producers: Dr. Pooja Jaeel, Dr. Maggie KozmanProduction Assistants: Dr. Erynn Beeson, Dr. Andrea Anampa-Guzmán, Sanika WalimbeWebsite/Art Design: Ann TruongMusic: Chris Dingman https://www.chrisdingman.comConnect with us on Instagram and X at @TheDEIShift and via email at thedeishift@gmail.com!

Aug 20, 2024 • 49min
Equity in (Local) Global Health
Join Dr. Lisa Camara, an internist with over 20 years of experience, and Christopher Chow, a dedicated clinic volunteer, as they dive into healthcare's intersection with cultural competence. They share insights from the Seafarers Medical Clinic, illuminating the unique challenges faced by immigrant fishermen and the essential role of translators. The discussion also highlights strategies for fostering community connections and promoting equity in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of cultural humility and continuous learning in serving diverse populations.

May 30, 2024 • 31min
Mental Health and Burnout, Part 2
Dr. Anand Jagannath, a clinician educator at the Portland VA, shares his personal journey with burnout in early medical practice. He discusses the importance of recognizing burnout sources, emphasizing the role of mentorship and supportive environments in combating feelings of inadequacy. Anand highlights methods individuals can adopt to cope, as well as institutional strategies to support staff and trainees. He advocates for ongoing conversations about mental health, fostering connections, and the therapeutic power of sharing experiences.

Feb 23, 2024 • 27min
Mental Health and Burnout, Part 1
Burnout has unfortunately become an exceedingly common experience for healthcare workers, even independent of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode, we start a conversation about burnout, its signs/symptoms, and its potential repercussions with Internal Medicine resident Dr. Allison Ibarra.Learning Objectives:Define burnout according to the World Health Organization.Learn and be able to recognize common signs of burnout. Identify and recognize the potential consequences burnout can have on physicians’ and medical trainees’ physical and mental well-being.Credits:Guest: Dr. Allison IbarraCo-Hosts: Dr. DJ Gaines, Branden BargerExecutive Producer: Dr. Tammy LinCo-Executive Producers: Dr. Pooja Jaeel, Dr. Maggie KozmanAssociate Producer: Dr. Candace SprottSenior Producer: Dr. DJ GainesEditor/Assistant Producer: Clara BaekProduction Assistants: Nilgoun Farhadi, Leyna NguyenWebsite/Art Design: Ann TruongMusic: Chris Dingman https://www.chrisdingman.comInstagram: @thedeishiftX: @thedeishiftWebsite: https://www.thedeishift.comEmail: thedeishift@gmail.comContinuing Medical Education/Maintenance of Certification (CME/MOC) credits are available through the American College of Physicians for both members and non-members. To submit for CME/MOC credit for this episode, visit: https://www.acponline.org/cme-moc/cme/internal-medicine-podcasts/the-dei-shiftConnect with us on Instagram and X at @TheDEIShift and via email at thedeishift@gmail.com!

Dec 8, 2023 • 32min
Physicians with Disabilities – A Conversation with Dr. John Hall
In this compelling episode, Dr. Candace Sprott engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. John Hall, a seasoned Internal Medicine physician with a unique perspective on disability in the medical field. Dr. Hall shares his remarkable career journey, highlighting the challenges he faced and the pivotal decision to transition from Obstetrics and Gynecology to Internal Medicine due to his physical disability. The episode explores the nuances of the day-to-day experiences of physicians and patients with disabilities and seeks to advance the conversation around strategies that promote inclusivity and celebrate intersectionality. Learning Objectives:Define the legal framework of disability as stipulated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Identify strategies for person-centered care for people with disabilities, understanding the significance of tailoring interactions with these patients based on individual preferences.Examine the concept of intersectionality in healthcare, identifying how various aspects of identity, including disability, influence the patient-physician relationship and acknowledging the diverse ways individuals view their disabilities.Credits:Guest: Dr. John HallHost/Associate Producer: Dr. Candace SprottExecutive Producer: Dr. Tammy LinCo-Executive Producers: Dr. Pooja Jaeel, Dr. Maggie KozmanSenior Producer: Dr. DJ GainesProduction Assistants: Dr. Erynn Beeson, Andrea Anampa-GuzmánWebsite/Art Design: Ann TruongMusic: Chris Dingman https://www.chrisdingman.comInstagram: @thedeishiftX: @thedeishiftWebsite: https://www.thedeishift.comEmail: thedeishift@gmail.comContinuing Medical Education/Maintenance of Certification (CME/MOC) credits are available through the American College of Physicians for both members and non-members. To submit for CME/MOC credit for this episode, visit: https://www.acponline.org/cme-moc/cme/internal-medicine-podcasts/the-dei-shiftConnect with us on Instagram and X at @TheDEIShift and via email at thedeishift@gmail.com!