The fall for me has often been a time of change and challenges. A time to look inward, and reflect. Last month I did a thing that was very much in this vibe. I was challenged to move out of my comfort zone, and change the way I interact with colleagues in my profession.
The Ontario association of Naturopathic Doctors asked me to speak on a panel at their annual conference. The #OANDCon panel “Do No Harm: Unpacking Unconscious Bias and Inequity in Clinical Encounters" intended to open a conversation in our ND community by way of storytelling.
I was asked to share my experience on stage in front of a group of my peers. And in all honesty, I was not leaping at the chance. However, my very hesitation about participating encouraged me to unpack the ways that I’ve kept quiet about the parts of my identity that are likely to cause friction – in society generally, as well as among my peers.
“I strive to do my work in such a way that no one who comes through my office feels what I felt in my early days of seeking to take charge of my own health and wellness: afraid to be seen and hurt not to be.”
Although I prioritize anti-oppression education and work in my personal and professional life, I’ve never seen myself as a spokesperson for equity issues. Nonetheless, when called to speak to this exceedingly important topic, I felt I had to accept.
I agonized over what I would say, and how I would explain myself and contextualize my feelings, but when the moment came, I spoke sincerely, honestly, and candidly. And it felt liberating as hell.
Dr Kristen speaking at the 2024 OAND Conference with her fellow panelists, Dr Odette Bulaong ND, Arlie Millyard ND, and Anna Liza Badaloo (moderator) about the ways we've been impacted by unconscious bias in life, as patients and as health care practitioners.
I’m deeply grateful to my co-panelists @odettebulaongnd & @dr.arlie.nd , and our treasured moderator @annalizabadaloo for holding us so tenderly in our vulnerability. And for the members of @ndsdismantlingracism supporting us all from the front row! Also, to @drtlresidend & @ndontario for prioritizing this topic during the biggest OAND event of the year. I hope this is just a start, and that we can continue the deep personal and professional work required so that we can all do better.
Thank you to everyone who came up to me after the panel to let me know how our conversation impacted you, and that our stories were heard and appreciated. It means so much.
Dr Kristen speaking with her fellow panelists after an intense conversation about the ways we've been impacted by unconscious bias in life, as patients and as health care practitioners.
Now I’m ready to keep the conversation going. Ready to keep up the work of unpacking my own bias to better serve my patients, and to better connect with all you wonderful humans out there. Empowered to speak my truth even if I don’t know how it will be received. Hoping that my sharing will not only help me in my journey, maybe even open some minds and hearts, but perhaps act as a beacon for others who may feel alone with their experience of marginalization or oppression.
Do you have thoughts about how health care providers can reduce harm by improving awareness around bias and inequity?
Are you a practitioner that feels impacted by bias and inequity in your profession?
Do you have resources that you’d recommend for practitioners looking to do better?
Let me know by using the contact page to email me directly, or DM me through IG!
Dr Kristen Mark ND psyching herself up to get vulnerable in an honest conversation in front of a conference centre full of ND colleagues at the OAND Conference
#OANDCon2024 #OntarioNDs
#Equity #Inclusion #EDI
#Torontonaturopath #naturalhealth #DoNoHarm