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A message from the Chief Wellness Officer, Kirk J. Brower, MD

Posted June 22, 2020

More than ever, we can all join together to recognize racism, in all of its forms, in the world at large and here at home. At a recent Michigan Medicine Town Hall, I said, “When I look in the mirror, I see an old white man of privilege.” That was a first step. However, I’m embarrassed to say that the word, anti-racist, was mostly unknown to me then. I have much to learn.

As your Chief Wellness Officer, I am committed to doing that work. My job is to promote and sustain your workplace well-being. Racism erodes our workplace environment and causes people to feel unsafe, chronically stressed and under-valued. The energy required to defend against stress undermines our well-being. No one is safe – including our patients – unless we all feel safe to be our full selves regardless of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, gender, disability, and religion. The Wellness Office is committed to ensuring an environment where everyone feels safe and valued as a foundation of our well-being.