In her 20 years as an emergency medicine physician, Wendy Macias-Konstantopoulos, MD, MPH, MBA, earned a reputation for her fierce commitment to advancing social justice and health equity for her patients.
Now, as Massachusetts General Hospital‘s newest vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer for faculty, trainees and students, she is bringing that same fierce commitment to patients across the broader hospital community. Dr. Macias-Konstantopoulos is the inaugural incumbent of the MGH Endowed Chair for Leadership in Emergency Medicine and founder of the Mass General Freedom Clinic, which provides comprehensive primary and preventive care to victims and survivors of human trafficking. In her new role, she also oversees the Center for Diversity and Inclusion; the Office for Belonging and Engagement that includes the Disabilities Program; the Center for Immigrant Health; and the MGH Gun Violence Prevention Center. We asked Dr. Macias-Konstantopoulos about her commitment to health equity issues and what she hopes to deliver during her tenure.
“As a first-generation American whose parents emigrated from Ecuador, I witnessed my parents struggle to access services as non-English speakers — an experience shared by many of our patients, especially in the Emergency Department. That experience is at the core of my values. I believe our ability to care for our community depends on recruiting and supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Healthcare providers from diverse and historically underrepresented backgrounds have the lived experience to understand where the gaps in providing equitable care lie and how to close those gaps. Research shows that patients are more likely to adhere to treatment plans and accept medical guidance when their identity is reflected in their healthcare providers.
For physicians, our patients are always at the center of everything we do. When we as providers reflect the diversity of our patients and the communities that we serve, we are more able to understand, communicate with and empathize with our patients.
A diverse and inclusive staff helps us to achieve better health outcomes for our patients. It is vital that we continue to work toward establishing a culture across Mass General where everyone, especially those from historically marginalized groups, feels welcomed, seen, heard and valued.”
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