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Inclusion Academy offers new education for 2025-2026

Penn State Health’s 2025-2026 Inclusion Academy will offer new educational sessions, now including podcasts, beginning in August.

The academy helps employees understand cultural differences to create a welcoming environment for all patients and colleagues. Led by subject-matter experts, the educational programs feature discussions, lectures and case studies.

The academy will continue to include its certification program, rewarding employees for attending multiple sessions. Many programs offer continuing medical education (CME) and Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA) credits.

Education is offered through five series:

Culturally Responsive Care

The initial session will focus on the role of systems thinking in addressing health inequities. It will be presented virtually from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 14. Register here to participate.

Inclusive Health Care: Connecting with Diverse Patients

These short, TED Talk-style videos explore how cultural, religious or spiritual beliefs can affect inclusive health care. Click here to watch sessions at a time that works best for you.

New topics include:

  • Telehealth and Health Care Access
  • Neurodiversity and the Neurodivergent
  • Cultural Dietary Restrictions
  • Artificial Intelligence and Health Equity

Experiential Learning

These one-hour virtual sessions feature a TED Talk-style presentation, followed by an interactive discussion. The first sessions, scheduled for 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, will explore the role culturally responsive care plays in health care. Register here.

On-demand educational videos

The videos present case studies to help create an inclusive health care setting for all patients and staff. Topics include:

  • LGBTQ-Inclusive Patient Care Environment Education
  • Disability and Accessibility
  • The Impact of Cultural Differences on Patient Care
  • Patient Bias Prevention
  • Racism in Health Care: Opportunities in Building Health Equity

Click here to watch sessions when convenient for you.

Podcasts

New this fiscal year, Inclusion Academy podcasts are designed to give employees insights and tools to help them connect more meaningfully with all colleagues and patients.

Among topics:

  • Civility and Empathy
  • Fostering Dietary Inclusion
  • Communication Across Cultures
  • Building Cultural Competence, Humility and Safety
  • Cultural Differences and Perceptions of Health, Illness and Treatment

Click here to listen at a time that works best for you.

All Penn State College of Medicine faculty, students and staff are welcome to attend these educational opportunities.

If you're having trouble accessing this content, or would like it in another format, please email Penn State Health Marketing & Communications.