Celebrating Pride and Embracing Diversity in Healthcare

At the beginning of Pride Month this year, I felt lucky to have enjoyed the vibrant celebrations for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May. These back-to-back celebrations highlight the richness of our diverse identities, experiences and perspectives that we each bring to the workplace. Embracing this diversity is not just a matter of respect but a crucial element in advancing healthcare for all.

Celebrating Pride, especially in New York, is a truly unique experience. The city hosts one of the largest global Pride celebrations, bringing together millions of people from around the world. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of visibility, acceptance and the ongoing fight for equality.

As we celebrate, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges that the LGBTQ+ community continues to face, particularly in healthcare. Statistics reveal that LGBTQ+ individuals often encounter disparities in access to care, quality of treatment and health outcomes. These challenges underscore the need for continued advocacy and reform within our healthcare system and the important role we all have as healthcare leaders.

I am proud to work at the Mount Sinai Health System, which consistently earns top scores as a LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 16th edition of the Healthcare Equality Index. One of the pivotal steps in my career journey was joining ACHE. Starting as a student associate and later a Member, ACHE provided me with the resources and support to navigate the early stages of my career. More recently, serving as a scholar in the Career Accelerator Program has expanded my perspective on the advances we are making, and connecting with other diverse leaders reminds me of the work that still needs to be done.

As the chair of ACHE’s LGBTQ+ Healthcare Leaders Community Committee, I am honored to work alongside dedicated professionals committed to advancing equality in healthcare. Our committee is focused on creating inclusive environments, promoting equitable care and supporting the career growth of LGBTQ+ healthcare leaders. ACHE’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is a beacon for healthcare professionals who strive to make a difference. Together, we are working to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or identity, has access to high-quality care.

As we close this Pride Month, let’s celebrate the progress we’ve made and renew our commitment to the work ahead. By valuing and incorporating diverse perspectives, we can build a healthcare system that truly serves everyone. 

Mark Liu is senior director of oncology strategy, transformation and analytics, Mount Sinai Health System, New York. He also serves as chair of ACHE’s LGBTQ+ Healthcare Leaders Community Committee.

The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) is a network of leaders committed to excellence in healthcare and achieving their personal best.

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