As psychologists, we are committed to ethical principles which bar us from supporting or engaging in maleficence or injustice. These principles also require us to respect the dignity and worth of all people, and - as employees of PSJH (an organization who’s core values of Compassion, Dignity and Justice complement these ethical principles), the PMG PCBH Internship Program is committed to standing in solidarity against the institutional and societal structures of inequity that result in oppression and racism. As such, our PMG pre-doctoral internship is dedicated to providing an inclusive home for all trainees regardless of race, religion, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or religion.
This is also enforced in our PSJH HR policies and procedures.
In addition to our promise to adhere to these professional ethics and values, we have committed equally, as caregivers of PSJH, to the organization’s mission of “…serving all, especially those who are poor and vulnerable.” It is in this spirit that we act on those ideals, yielding our privilege in service to the cause of anti-racism, anti-oppression, and social justice. We stand firmly against those structures and biases that repeatedly and relentlessly allow for oppression, exclusion, and inequity. We work to demand accountability and systemic change in our own work and in the work of the systems we encounter. The urgent, but enduring action we take beyond our words includes enacting and influencing policy including, but not limited to addressing the racial inequities that affect the health of our patients and the wellbeing of our caregivers. We invite interns to join us and help to address the racism we have failed to recognize in our communities and in our country for far too long.
A few of the highlights of the actions and initiatives we are engaging in as a department and organization include:
Recruitment: The Psychology department works to ensure recruiting trainees and licensed providers from sources that ensure diverse talent. In reviewing applicants, the training committee and leadership team perform a holistic review that takes into consideration the whole person. To ensure we are actively recruiting from underrepresented minority groups, we not only focus on academic excellence and preparation, but we also look for qualities such as leadership and contributions to the community. We seek diversity in background and experience and potential for positive contributions to our department.
System DEI Engagement: In addition to the DEI focused work within the Department of Psychology, Providence Medical Group prioritizes DEI initiatives under the leadership of Anthony Herrington, the Regional Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for the Oregon region. Providence views DEI as an essential business imperative and necessity across all ministries and lines of business. DEI focused work includes regional initiatives, strengthening culture and engagement through caregiver resource groups, and Health Equity focused initiatives.
Didactics: Intentionality are brought to all didactic trainings to include diversity considerations. Didactic topics include social determinants of health, structural racism, culturally informed care, LGBTQ+ health and mental health, diversity, equity, and inclusion in relation to the care teams we work in as Behavioral Health Providers as well as the patients we serve, addressing health inequity and disparities, and much more. All presenters throughout the course of the training year will specifically be asked to include identity centering, as well as intentional incorporation of specific learning objectives related to both DEI and lifespan considerations.
Reflective Local Practices + Diversity Dialogues: All interns will participate in quarterly reflective local practices and diversity dialogues. Trainees choose four places/activities to attend which are connected to the local Oregon community. In groups of at least two, learners will engage and reflect on what was learned and observed about the local culture during your outing. Time can be blocked in work schedules if necessary. Each intern will write a brief reflection to share and discuss during the diversity dialogues.
Caregiver Resource Groups (CRGs): CRGs are voluntary, employee-led groups designed to create a more inclusive workplace. CRGs are groups of employees who come together based on shared characteristics or life experiences. Any intern interested in joining or connecting with a CRG available to all Providence employees and interns are encouraged to connect with a CRG Chair or join a CRG platform for additional information. Information regarding CRGs can be found on the CRG resource group link through the Caregiver Services Portal and interested individuals can connect to CRG leaders through Teams.
Healthcare Research and Other Scholarly Activity: Providence - as part of the larger Providence St. Joseph Health system - engages in scholarly research dedicated to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare. You may find peer-reviewed publications, conference abstracts, book/chapter citations, and other scholarly multimedia as selected and deposited by the system’s Library Services, individual departments, and institutes here.
Providence Oregon’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Providence Oregon embodies our commitment to advancing world-class health and human connection through our shared commitment to embracing individual differences and similarities which we believe will strengthen our vision, mission, and values. We aim to remove barriers to enabling access to resources and opportunities catered to an individual’s unique needs. And we are deliberate about fostering a culture that engages diversity in a way that creates space for value and respect of every individual.
A commitment from our president and CEO:
“We’ll continue to take an honest look at ourselves. This includes doing our part to end racial disparities in health care. It also includes creating a diverse workforce reflecting the communities we serve, and an inclusive and equitable culture where everyone feels they belong.”
-Rod Hochman, M.D., president and CEO, Providence, April 21, 2021
