A WSU Vancouver professor will discuss how racism affects the field of medicine at an event 11 a.m. Oct. 29.

The event “Dismantling Racism: The Game of Change” is part of an ongoing series hosted by WSU Tri-Cities. It will provide viewers with tools to approach systemic racism.  

The workshop will define racism and how it functions structurally and individually, said Thabiti Lewis, English professor and interim associate vice chancellor for academic affairs at WSU Vancouver. 

Lewis said he will also discuss how society is responsible for creating change that addresses these systemic issues. 

The dynamics of racism can be altered by looking at them through the lens of medicine and academia, he said. Using those two viewpoints can help people begin to understand the full spectrum of racism. 

Racism is prevalent in society, he said. It is necessary for people to do more than just imagine themselves as a target of racism. People must also understand how to use specific tools to grow as an individual, which will be discussed during the event.  

“It’s about getting people away from being defensive, and instead of being builders of change,” he said. 

Dr. Marie Theard, medical doctor and director of neuroanesthesia for the Department of Anesthesiology at Oregon Health and Science University, will also be speaking at the event.  

To register for the event, visit WSU Tri-Cities’ Community Classroom Series website.