Superhero of Medicine fights racism and bias

On August 20, the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation (Foundation) awarded the Superhero of Medicine award, sponsored by Exact Sciences, to Jasmine Zapata, MD, MPH. Dr. Zapata was nominated in 2019 before COVID-19 existed. The pandemic has brought attention to issues that Dr. Zapata has been working against throughout her career – disparities in health care.  

Renee Moe of United Way of Dane County and Janine Stephens of the Foundation for Black Women's Wellness nominated Dr. Zapata for this award and when they were asked who her nemesis was, (because all superheroes have a nemesis) they both called out racism and bias in health care.

Dr. Zapata is a neonatologist for UW Health. Just last week a study was published finding that Black babies taken care of by white doctors were three times more likely to die. Not only is Dr. Zapata caring for those babies, she is also dedicated to inspiring and supporting a new generation of diverse women in health care to help change this devastating statistic. Here are just a few of Dr. Zapata’s accomplishments:

• Founded the Madam Dreamers Academy, a virtual mentorship program supporting more than 1,000 young minority women form across the country on their path to medicine
• Founded the Beyond Beautiful International Girls' Empowerment Movement and is a published author on empowerment
• Launched a branch of The Ladder, a national mentorship program geared towards reaching a diverse population of students interested in health fields
• Helped organize a White Coats for Black Lives day at the state capitol with the UW-School of Medicine and Public Health and the Student National Medical Association

Dr. Zapata also has many allies, and believes that the people on the frontlines of the epidemic are today's true superheroes. She honored one of her heroes during the hugely successful virtual award presentation, Jackie Hunt of F.O.S.T.E.R. (Families Overcoming Struggles To Encourage Resilience). Ms. Hunt provides case management, counseling and consulting to families in need and is a dynamic storyteller and author; sharing her experiences with addiction and the criminal justice system. Dr. Zapata surprised Ms. Hunt with a $2,000 check that thanks to Exact Sciences was part of her Superhero award, to continue to support families in Dane County. Learn more about her work and how you could help on Facebook @fosterdanecounty.

The Foundation is proud to support people and programs that work to improve the social determinants of health and look forward to October, when the Foundation will officially launch a collaboration with Dr. Zapata to help expand her work and impact across Wisconsin. Follow the Foundation’s blog and connect with us on Facebook or Instagram to be sure not to miss this exciting announcement!

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PSA reminds Wisconsinites not to delay care

The Wisconsin Medical Society (Society) and the Wisconsin Nurses Association (WNA) have partnered to produce a public service announcement (PSA) campaign, “Stay healthy, Wisconsin,” with the primary goal of getting Wisconsinites who have delayed care to see their health care team. The Society and WNA produced digital, print and—with the help of WMSN FOX 47 News, Madison—video announcements.

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wisconsin clinics and hospitals saw a dramatic decrease in patient visits, which consequently created an increase in patients missing routine wellness visits, preventive screenings and visits to monitor chronic conditions. 

Click here to view the PSA.

Racism, Diversity and Social Justice – next virtual town hall

Barbara Nichols, PhD, (Hon) MS, RN, FAAN, Executive Director, Wisconsin Center for Nursing

Join Barbara Nichols, PhD, (Hon) MS, RN, FAAN, Executive Director at Wisconsin Center for Nursing, September 2 at 12:15 p.m. Nichols will present ‘Racism, Diversity and Social Justice.’  

If unable to attend the town halls, Society members now have exclusive access to the recordings and past town hall presentations in the “library” section of WisMed Community, which can be accessed by signing in here.  

Registration is required and can be completed here.

Please email Anne Hauer with any questions or for help accessing WisMed Community.

WisMed Voice members get early access

Join WisMed Voice to receive Society alerts and event information, including the Society Legislative Report, before anyone else. Advocates will receive a text notification of the report before it is released to other audiences. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be in the know – sign up today!

Benefits of WisMed Voice include:

• Direct digital connection with your legislators
• Action alerts delivered to your phone*
• Exclusive first access to Society alerts and events

Sign up today via the form below or by texting wismed to 52886.

*Message and data rates may apply. Text ‘stop’ to cancel/opt out. Text ‘help’ for help.

Virtual trivia night for residents – WisMed Meet Up!

Medical Residents are invited to a virtual WisMed Meet Up! This 2000’s Pop Culture Trivia Night is a great opportunity to connect with fellow Wisconsin Medical Society member-residents across the state from the comfort of your home.

Date: Thursday, September 17
Time: 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Register here.

The Society will create trivia teams, or you are welcome to create a team with your colleagues! Please email Jess with team names and participants (up to four people per team).

The winning team will be awarded gift cards provided by WisMed Assure! Thank you to WisMed Assure for sponsoring this event.

Contact Jess, our Membership Specialist, at jessica.schreiter@wismed.org with any questions.

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Wisconsin Healthcare Workforce Summit

The Wisconsin Council on Medical Education and Workforce will be hosting this year’s Workforce Summit: Dealing with Workforce Challenges as a series of virtual presentations. The sessions will take place over several months starting on September 30 and include topics such as ensuring an adequate workforce and best practices in health care delivery in a COVID-19 environment.

Additional information and registration can be found here.

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