Advancing Health Equity: Addressing Structural Racism in Patient Care
Description
Maryland's new structural racism continuing education requirement represents an important opportunity for physicians and other health professionals to better understand the factors that can influence patient experiences and health outcomes. Effective for license renewals after April 1, 2026, the one-time requirement expands Maryland's previous implicit bias training mandate by adding education on structural racism and its impact on health care delivery.
This engaging panel discussion will move beyond the compliance requirements of the law to explore how implicit bias and structural racism can affect patient care, access to services, and health outcomes across Maryland communities. Expert panelists will discuss the differences between unconscious individual biases and systemic barriers, examine real-world challenges facing physicians and patients, and share practical strategies for delivering compassionate, equitable, patient-centered care.
Participants will gain a clearer understanding of the new licensing requirement, learn how these concepts relate to everyday clinical practice, and explore the role physicians, health systems, and organized medicine can play in improving health outcomes while minimizing unnecessary administrative burden. The session will conclude with a forward-looking discussion on how the medical community can measure success and continue advancing high-quality care for all patients.
Accreditation and Credit Designation Statements:
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of MedChi, The Maryland State Medical Society.
MedChi, The Maryland State Medical Society designates this other (live, then enduring) activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Presenters
Gene Ransom
Gene is the CEO of MedChi, The Maryland State Medical Society. MedChi is the largest physician organization in Maryland whose mission is to advocate for physicians, their patients and the public health of Maryland. Gene graduated Cum Laude from the University of Maryland in 1993 and received his law degree from the University of Baltimore in 1996.
Ransom’s career has been distinguished by a commitment to public service. From 2002 to 2010 he served as an elected commissioner in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland. The Queen Anne’s County Commissioners consist of five elected commissioners and Gene served both as President and Vice President of the Commissioners. He was instrumental in securing passage of legislation to improve growth management, health and environmental policy in Queen Anne’s County. Gene current serves on several important Boards and Commissions including the Queen Anne’s County Liquor Board and Maryland Advisory Council on the Implementation of Population-based and Patient-centered Payment Systems.
Renee Bovelle, MD
- Founder and Medical Director
- Envision Eye and Laser
Dr. Renee C. Bovelle is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in comprehensive ophthalmology, cataract surgery, and laser vision care. She is the founder and Medical Director of Envision Eye and Laser in Glenn Dale, Maryland. She earned her medical degree from the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and completed the ophthalmology training at Yale University and the LSU Eye Center before becoming board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Bovelle has been an active leader in organized medicine. She has served as President of the Maryland Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, Speaker of the MedChi House of Delegates and has worked with MedChi on legislative and advocacy initiatives affecting physicians and patients across Maryland. She is recognized for her commitment to patient education, health equity, and physician advocacy.
Ben Stallings, MD
- President and CEO
- Diagnostic Imaging Associates
Dr. Benjamin Z. Stallings is a board-certified diagnostic radiologist who has practiced in Prince George's County, Maryland for more than three decades. He serves as President and CEO of Diagnostic Imaging Associates and has been Director of the Department of Imaging and Chief Radiation Safety Officer at Doctors Community Hospital (now part of the Luminis Health system). A respected physician leader, Dr. Stallings served as the 171st President of MedChi, the Maryland State Medical Society, after previously serving on its Board of Trustees as Vice Speaker of the House of Delegates. He also served as President of the Prince George's County Medical Society, where he spent more than 15 years in leadership. Throughout his career, he has been a strong advocate for physician leadership, patient access, and organized medicine.
To register for this CME, please click here.
Please contact Hamida Mansaray for more information.