National Chats for Change
The National Chats for Change sessions are available to all in the medical education and health care communities.
We invite you to share these sessions widely with your colleagues and encourage them to join us in these national conversations.
Chats for Change | National Edition
February – July 2025 Series
Introducing our new series:
React, Reflect, & Resist in a Time of Transition
As we begin this new year, we stand at a crossroads—facing political shifts, global crises, ongoing debates about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and the rise of anti-DEI legislation. These challenges create a pivotal moment in education, society, and health sciences. Despite the uncertainty, there is an opportunity to continue and reimagine our work and communities.
In response to this dynamic landscape, we are excited to introduce the new National Chats for Change Series: React, Reflect, & Resist. This series provides a space for educators, administrators, students, and healthcare professionals to come together, react to the evolving landscape, reflect on our roles and work, and resist barriers to progress.
Chats for Change | February - July 2025
February 2025
REACT: Stepping Up or Stepping Back?
In today’s rapidly evolving socio-political landscape, health sciences education professionals are faced with the complex challenge of deciding when and how to respond—or not respond—to current events. Join us as we explore the nuances of engaging with or stepping back from socio-political issues, particularly those related to race, equity, and justice, within educational settings.
Facilitators: Ann-Gel Palermo, David Muller, MD & Leona Hess, PhD
Wednesday, February 5 at 12 pm EST | Join us on Zoom.
March 2025
REACT: Aligning Values and Responsibility
Many of us are grappling with the evolving role of our institutions in addressing societal shifts, particularly those related to race, equity, and justice. Join us as we explore how our personal values align with our professional responsibilities within the rapidly changing socio-political landscape of our institutions.
Facilitators: Ann-Gel Palermo, David Muller, MD & Leona Hess, PhD
Wednesday, March 5 at 12 pm EST | Join us on Zoom.
April 2025
REFLECT: Reimagining Our Path Forward
Given the evolving landscape, where are we headed in health sciences education, and how do we get there? Join us as we explore our guiding light during these challenging times and delve into the emerging priorities that are shaping our collective efforts toward equity and justice.
Facilitators: Ann-Gel Palermo, David Muller, MD & Leona Hess, PhD
Wednesday, April 2 at 12 pm EST | Join us on Zoom.
May 2025
REFLECT: Honoring and Letting Go
What aspects of our current work should we honor and carry forward, and what can we release to make room for new possibilities? Join us as we define what we want to build—both individually and collectively—and explore how we can navigate the uncertainty ahead with clarity and purpose.
Facilitators: Ann-Gel Palermo, David Muller, MD & Leona Hess, PhD
Wednesday, May 7 at 12 pm EST | Join us on Zoom.
June 2025
RESIST: Proactively Navigating Challenges
Resistance is a natural response to change, especially in times of transition. Rather than waiting for challenges to arise, we will explore strategies to anticipate and address resistance within our institutions. Join us as we identify how to frame resistance as an opportunity for growth, foster productive dialogue, and create a culture that is committed to advancing equity and justice.
Facilitators: Ann-Gel Palermo, David Muller, MD & Leona Hess, PhD
Wednesday, June 4 at 12 pm EST | Join us on Zoom.
July 2025
RESIST: Creating Collective and Individual Strength
The concept of resistance is not always viewed as an obstacle, but as a powerful force for change—both individually and collectively. Join us as we reframe resistance as an asset, a source of agency and empowerment, rather than something to be avoided or feared. Together, we’ll examine how to recognize and harness the power of resistance within ourselves and our institutions.
Facilitators: Ann-Gel Palermo, David Muller, MD & Leona Hess, PhD
Wednesday, July 2 at 12 pm EST | Join us on Zoom.
Reflection Corner
How much time do we have before interest in, and tolerance of, anti-racism wanes?
Inspired by the African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together”, this year’s theme will focus on cultivating a community of practice.
Let’s engage in collective problem-solving. Let’s seek shared experiences and learn from each other. Let’s break out of our silos and exchange information. Let’s discuss new developments and celebrate our wins. Let’s grow our confidence and ability to do this work together.
Learn more about how this can be possible with our RBI Resources.
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Now On Demand
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