Getting Names Right: A Path to Belonging in Medical Education

In this episode of MedEd Thread, we talk with Helena Baffoe-Bonnie and Lydia Cassard, both 5th-year medical students, and Dr. Monica Yepes-Rios, Assistant Dean, Office of Student Community and Engagement, at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, about the importance of getting people’s names right. They explore how correctly pronouncing names is not just an act of respect but also a critical element in fostering understanding and support. The conversation delves into how mispronunciations can be harmful, particularly within underrepresented groups, and how learning to get names right can create a more welcoming, engaging learning environment. Tune in to hear about practical strategies for addressing name errors and how this work connects to the broader goals of engagement and belonging.