Conversations in Diversity
In October 2002 the School of Medicine Basic Sciences launched an annual, month-long event series titled “Conversations in Diversity.” Each year we will focus on a different theme, and weekly panels will discuss how we can use diversity, equity, and inclusion-based initiatives to improve our community within the context of the theme.
Hidden Disabilities
This year we will explore hidden disabilities, chronic illnesses and conditions that impact an individual’s day-to-day life but are not visible or obvious to others. More than 65 million Americans—with some reports indicating the number may exceed 100 million—are impacted by hidden disabilities. Because the illnesses are not obvious to others, those who suffer from them may be hesitant to discuss their conditions. Additionally, those on the outside may not know about the illness, its symptoms, or the effect it has on an individual because of its “hidden” status. There are many hidden disabilities that range from mental illness to chronic pain, diabetes, dyslexia, and others.
We have selected a few hidden disabilities to delve into each week for the October 2022 “Conversations in Diversity.” Each panel discussion will be held on Thursdays from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in MRBIII 1220 and via Zoom.
Each panel will include a researcher who studies the hidden disability and someone who has been diagnosed with it to bridge a conversation between the science and people’s lived experiences. We also hope to cover some evidence-based strategies that can improve the environment for individuals impacted by hidden disabilities. Join us to learn how we as individuals in the Basic Sciences community can make a difference in our peers’ lives.
Thursdays from 2:15 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in MRBIII 1220 and via Zoom. Registration for online attendance is required.
• October 6: ADHD / Autism
Moderator: Felysha Jenkins, Ph.D., Vanderbilt School of Medicine Basic Sciences Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program Manager
Panelists:
David Caudel, Associate Director, The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation
Brianna Lewis, VUMC Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Vanessa Bell, Psychologist, University Counseling Center
Julie Acker, Registered Nurse, University Counseling Center
View the video of this conversation on YouTube.
• October: Diabetes / Hypertension
Moderator: Felysha Jenkins, Ph.D., Vanderbilt School of Medicine Basic Sciences Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program Manager
Panelists:
Al Powers, MD, Director, Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology
Colleen Niswender, PhD, Associate Professor of Pharmacology
Annet Kirabo, D.V.M., M.Sc., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Medicine, Clinical Pharmacology
Danielle Dean, Assistant Professor, Diabetes, Endocrinology, & Metabolism Division
View the video of this conversation on YouTube.
• October 20: Mental Illness
Moderator: Felysha Jenkins, Ph.D., Vanderbilt School of Medicine Basic Sciences Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program Manager
Panelists:
Stephanie Singer, LPC-MHSP, NCC, Therapist, Vanderbilt University Counseling Center
Chimine Arfuso, Ph.D., California State University, Fresno
Thao Le, Graduate Student, Ayala Laboratory, Molecular Physiology & Biophysics
Aaron Brinen, PsyD, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital
View the video of this conversation on YouTube.
• October 27: Long COVID
Moderator: Aaron Conley, Vanderbilt School of Medicine Basic Sciences Director of External Affairs & Partnerships
Panelists:
Sara Martin, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Heather Honore Goltz, PhD, Professor of Social Work, University of Houston, Downtown
Cyndya Shibao, MD, MSCI, Associate Professor of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
View the video of this conversation on YouTube.