Modern Healthcare’s Feb. 18 issue launched the new monthly column “Breaking Bias,” allowing senior leaders from all sectors of healthcare to share ideas on how to promote diversity and inclusion in the industry. A number of readers shared their thoughts a

I was so happy to read the column about the importance and the benefit of diversity in healthcare. I have been in the industry as a clinician, academician, hospital executive and healthcare executive for the past 29 years. Over the years I have gleaned that our industry thrives on not only a diversity of skill sets but also diversity of perspectives and cultures. I have come to understand the “wisdom of teams,” which is truly an amalgam of diversity and inclusion. The probability of achieving any goal increases with such a team—a team composed of true diversity and inclusion.

I congratulate Modern Healthcare on this new column.

Dr. Michael Choo Senior vice president and chief medical officer Paradigm Outcomes Walnut Creek, Calif.

Great move on the new “Breaking Bias” column. I hope you are able not just to clarify the problem, which is necessary, but also highlight proven strategies to solve the problem. There is a lot of window dressing being done, but short on results.

Samuel Odle Former IU Health System executive Indianapolis

One aspect that we need to keep in mind is the concept of cultural concordance. For better care of the growing Hispanic population we need a lot more Hispanic physicians. Tragically, Hispanic doctor numbers are essentially flat and are not keeping up with the Hispanic population growth.

I have been a member of the diversity in medical education committee at my medical school (University of Texas Medical Branch) for the past 35 years and I have to admit that the battle has been very tough trying to increase the number of Hispanic physicians.

Dr. John Menchaca San Antonio

As an African-American, being in the C-suite for the first time is both exciting, rewarding and challenging. I have had very few guides to assist me on my journey. It’s clear that mentoring and working with senior management on a career road map is essential. Sometimes I have analogized my career as being in the middle of the ocean in a rowboat with one paddle. Without someone other than me being committed to my development and ascension, the road has been very rocky. Hopefully this will improve for future generations of minorities.

Gregory Ewing Vice president of compliance and regulatory affairs Trillium Health Rochester, N.Y.

One of the most interesting concepts I have learned recently is cultural humility, which we would all do well to understand and learn to practice. As our collective diversity increases and the nature of it evolves, openness and willingness to learn from each other—key concepts of cultural humility—can serve us well.

Ruth Metzger, Ph.D. Coordinator of interprofessional education University of Southern Indiana College of Nursing and Health Professions Evansville