Certified Specialist Programme in Intersectionality and Health Psychology

About this Podcast

HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm excited to be speaking with Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in Health Psychology and the lead instructor for the Certified Specialist Programme in Intersectionality and Health Psychology. Dr. Smith, can you tell us a bit about this course and what inspired you to create it? GUEST: Thanks for having me. This programme explores the connection between social identities and health outcomes, aiming to equip healthcare professionals, social workers, and researchers with the skills to address health disparities through equity-focused interventions. I've seen firsthand how important it is to consider intersectionality in healthcare, and I wanted to create a course that dives deep into this subject. HOST: That sounds fascinating. How does understanding intersectionality help healthcare professionals and social workers in their day-to-day work? GUEST: Applying intersectional frameworks allows professionals to better understand the unique experiences and challenges their clients face, leading to more effective and inclusive care. It also promotes cultural competency, which is crucial in today's diverse societies. HOST: Absolutely, cultural competency is vital. Are there any current industry trends that emphasize the importance of intersectionality in health psychology? GUEST: Yes, there's a growing recognition that a person's social identities—such as race, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status—can significantly impact their health. This understanding is driving a shift towards more holistic, person-centered care that addresses the root causes of health disparities. HOST: It's interesting how these factors intersect and affect health outcomes. Have you encountered any challenges in teaching this subject to students or professionals? GUEST: One challenge is helping students unlearn traditional, individual-focused approaches to health and wellbeing. Another is keeping up with the ever-evolving understanding of social identities and their impact on health. It requires continuous learning and adaptation. HOST: That certainly sounds challenging. Looking towards the future, where do you see the field of intersectionality and health psychology heading? GUEST: I believe intersectionality will become an essential aspect of healthcare education and practice. As we continue to recognize and address the social determinants of health, I expect to see more equity-focused interventions and policies that promote inclusive, culturally competent care. HOST: Dr. Smith, thank you so much for sharing your insights and giving us a glimpse into the Certified Specialist Programme in Intersectionality and Health Psychology. We're confident that this course will help many professionals gain a competitive edge and make a positive impact on health and wellbeing. To learn more, visit the course page and enroll now!