LMH Health physician earns certificate in diversity and inclusion

Dr. Lynley Holman, a physician with Lawrence OB-GYN Specialists, recently received Cornell University’s Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion. She earned the certificate following the completion of a two-month online course that covers improving engagement, counteracting unconscious bias, diversity and inclusion at work and fostering an inclusive climate. 

Dr. Lynley Holman

“I have always had interests in population health, health disparities and diversity and inclusion in medicine,” Dr. Holman said. “After realizing early on this year that a formal conference would not be a possibility, I opted to enroll in Cornell University’s program.”

Though this course is aimed toward leaders in business and human resources, Dr. Holman found many of the principles taught pertained to medicine and her role as a healthcare professional.

“Physicians are often seen as leaders in healthcare organizations,” Dr. Holman said. “There is the clinical side of medicine and then there is the administrative side of medicine. I do not directly hire anyone, but being seen as a leader means I have the potential to affect the climate of the staff we work with. This course was very helpful in giving me tools for this role.”

She said that there were many wonderful, important messages and lessons in the class, but her favorite was titled “Understanding Unconscious Bias.”

“I believe that unconscious bias is a major contributor to health disparities,” Dr. Holman said. “As caregivers, we absolutely have to be aware that it exists within each of us. Until we admit and acknowledge, we cannot improve.”

LMH Health was founded with the commitment to provide care to all, regardless of race, physical or social condition or ability to pay. Learn more about our abiding commitment here.