Striving for Inclusive Excellence

Striving for Inclusive Excellence: Empowering the School of Podiatric Medicine to work more effectively with underrepresented communities. 

In partnership with the United Way, the Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine seeks to improve underserved communities by reducing health disparities and providing health education. The long-term goal of this special training is to ensure cultural sensitivity when dealing with underserved communities to understand the diverse beliefs, values, and practices of patients from different cultural backgrounds.  

 Paving the Way 

The training teaches students and practitioners to be culturally sensitive and better understand and respect their patients' cultural perspectives, which can lead to better communication, improved trust, and more effective care. Which includes being aware of cultural differences in attitudes towards illness, health beliefs, and communication styles, as well as recognizing the impact of language barriers and cultural biases. By embracing cultural sensitivity, healthcare providers can help to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that is respectful of all patients and promotes better health outcomes for all. 

The research, training, and evaluations were provided by Dr. Pamela Hall with the aid of two Graduate Research Assistants, Latisha Robinson and Susel Terrero-Rodriguez. The training coordinator for the School of Podiatry was provided by Dr. Shanika Hill.  

Special Thanks 

To the people who made this important training possible as well as to Dr. Rob Snyder, Dean, Steven Becker, Clinics Administrator, Sandra Rampersad, Director of Continuing Education and Vanessa Pedrianes, Operations Manager.

Dr. Pamela D. Hall is an Associate Professor of Psychology, Director of the Africana Studies Program, and Associate Dean of Graduate Studies for the College of Arts & Sciences at Barry University. Dr. Hall has been a member of Barry University’s Office of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion since 2020. She received her Ph.D. in Social Psychology from The Ohio State University. Before joining Barry University, Dr. Hall taught at Hampton University, her undergraduate alma mater.  

Dr. Hall also serves as a facilitator for South Florida People of Color, a racial healing organization specializing in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training. Additionally, she serves on the board of the Haitian Youth Community Center of Florida. She is the President of the Board for the Alliance for GLBTQ Youth and President of the South Florida Chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists. She has received numerous awards for her work and published scholarly articles on Haitian adolescents' and adults' spirituality and mental health.  

Over the last 30 years, Dr. Hall has become an expert trainer, facilitator, educator, and researcher who focuses on developing a more equitable and just society.  

Serves as a Graduate Research Assistant who is currently pursuing an M.S. in Clinical Psychology at Barry University.  

Serves as a Graduate Research Assistant who is currently pursuing an M.S. in clinical Psychology at Barry University.  

Dr. Shanika Hill is the Assistant Professor of Podiatric Medicine at Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine and the staff Podiatrist at Jessie trice community Health center, providing much needed podiatric services to the underserved Northwest Miami area. Dr. Hill has also served as the Associate Lakes Foot & Ankle Specialist, providing podiatric medical and surgical services. Additional experience includes Mobile Health Services such as diabetic foot care, wound care, non-surgical foot care, nail surgery and minor fracture management of the lower extremity. Dr. Hill also has experience as a Podiatrist with Miramar Podiatry and Surgery, Inc.  

Dr. Hill has received several awards and holds affiliate memberships with the Miami Dade County Podiatric Medical Association (Board Member), the American Podiatric Medical Associates, and the Florida Podiatric Medical Association. She serves on several national institutional committees, among which includes the American Podiatric Medical Association, the Council of Facilities-American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medication and the AACPM, Council of Teaching Hospitals and co-authored the Professionalism and Cultural Competencies content are in the 2022 edition of the AACPM Curriculum Guide. Her research activities include Injection Therapy for the Management of Chronic Venous Disorders and Understanding Diabetic Foot Fractures. In addition to an extensive list of professional meetings and conferences, she volunteers to work with the homeless.