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As the founder and CEO of Sharon Washington Consulting, Dr. Sharon Washington draws on more than 20 years of experience in public health, equity strategy and organizational leadership to illuminate pathways toward more just and resilient healthcare systems. Through her writing she shares stories and insights at the intersection of policy, leadership and trauma‑informed practice, offering readers practical tools and critical perspectives to advance equity and belonging in their own work.
Inside SWC: Equity & Healing Perspectives Blog
Her commentary stems from a deep understanding of how culture and systems shape individual experiences, honed through consulting with hospitals, nonprofits and academic institutions across the country. Dr. Washington holds advanced degrees from Columbia University and Temple University. Learn more on the About page.
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Reflections on Equity in Health
When Accreditation Retreats: The ACGME’s Suspension of DEI Requirements—and What It Means for Healthcare
In May 2025 ACGME paused enforcement of DEI requirements for GME. Here’s what was lost, the legal context, and how leaders can uphold equity without external mandates.
Oct 185 min read
Complying With the Attack on DEI: Why History, Data, and Justice Demand We Resist
Complying with the Trump administration’s anti-DEI directives isn’t “neutral”—it heightens legal risk and predictably worsens outcomes for those already facing structural barriers. Drawing on civil-rights history, federal data, and current EEOC/DOJ actions, this piece explains why equity work remains lawful, necessary, and measurable—and offers concrete steps for leaders to hold the line while staying compliant.
Sep 166 min read
The EDUCATE Act 2025: A Dangerous Prescription for Medical Education and Vulnerable Communities
Learn how the EDUCATE Act endangers equity in medical education and why institutions must act now to protect culturally responsive care.
Jul 158 min read
Horizontal Hostility in Healthcare: What It Is and How to Address It
Discover how peer-to-peer harm impacts diverse healthcare teams—and explore trauma-informed strategies for healing, accountability, and equity.
Jul 14 min read
Accountability, Not Avoidance: Healing DEIA Spaces From Trauma-Driven Patterns
This article delves into the challenges faced in DEIA work within healthcare and academic medicine, particularly for BIPOC professionals. It examines how hyper-individualism, the misuse of DEIA concepts, and resistance to feedback are affecting progress. Discover the BRIDGE framework as a solution for sustainable, collective equity work.
Jun 1016 min read
Beyond Blame: Understanding Cultural Shifts Shaping Today’s Medical Learners
Explore the evolving landscape of residency programs and medical education, highlighting the challenges faced by learners in balancing wellness, equity, and rigorous practice. Learn how cultural, economic, and systemic shifts impact professional development, and discover actionable strategies to align accountability and compassion in medical training.
May 1811 min read
Navigating Stress in Healthcare Under a New Presidential Administration
Navigate stress in healthcare during policy shifts with leadership alignment, supportive culture, and somatic practices to build resilience
Mar 2110 min read
5 Reasons Why Your DEI Consultant Isn’t Working: A Candid Look at Common Pitfalls
16 August, 2024 / Sharon G.E. Washington Ed.D., MPH In my work with healthcare institutions, government agencies, and corporate...
Aug 17, 20247 min read
Déjà Vu: Project 2025 and the Revival of Historical Resistance to Equality
Explore the historical parallels between resistance to racial equity and Project 2025, learn how to take action to protect progress in DEI
Aug 4, 20244 min read
Living & Leading Through Turbulence: Why Holistic Coaching Is Essential in Times of Political and Social Stress
Amid political and social turbulence, many of us feel the weight in our bodies—tight shoulders, shallow breath, restless nights. Holistic, somatic coaching helps you steady the nervous system, think clearly, and act from your values. With an equity lens, we pair micro-practices—breath, grounding, reflection—with humane leadership habits that build psychological safety and collaboration. This isn’t about pushing harder; it’s about restoring connection so you can lead with stea
Nov 16 min read
Why I’ve Outgrown “DEI”—And What Comes Next
DEI sparked important progress—but the acronym no longer holds the depth of transformation our teams and patients need. In this piece, Dr. Sharon G.E. Washington-Gilliam explains why she’s outgrown “DEI” and introduces BRIDGE, a practical, trauma-informed framework that embeds equity into daily operations: building data-grounded foundations, fostering reflection, measuring impact, developing leaders, grounding teams somatically, and aligning institutions with their broader ec
Sep 123 min read
Beyond the Checklist: Why Attacks on DEIA Put Medical Students’ Day-One Skills at Risk
Attacks on DEIA are eroding the preparation of future physicians. Medical schools expect incoming students to demonstrate critical day-one competencies—communication, resilience, empathy, and cultural humility—but political backlash is undermining these foundations. This reflection by Dr. Sharon G.E. Washington explores what’s at risk and how Critically Conscious Connections offers a sustaining path forward.
Sep 44 min read
The Hypocrisy of Anti-DEI Laws: When Civil Rights Language Is Used to Discriminate
Civil rights protections were meant to expand justice, not retract it. But today, we see the disturbing rise of policies and narratives that weaponize civil rights language to suppress equity, restrict access, and entrench privilege.
Aug 217 min read
Under Pressure: Navigating Workplace Stress in Healthcare Amid Political Upheaval
Political upheaval is reshaping healthcare workplaces and escalating stress for clinicians, especially those from marginalized communities. Learn how somatic practices can help your team stay grounded and resilient under pressure—with insights from Sharon Washington Consulting.
Aug 123 min read
White Fragility and the DEI Backlash: Understanding Resistance to Racial Equity
Explore how white fragility drives backlash against DEI and equity efforts—and what it means for policy, healthcare, and institutional transformation.
Jul 297 min read
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