Showcasing Unheard Voices in The Kaleidoscope: Healthcare in a Diverse America From Molecule to Market

To fuel her mission of fostering a diverse, inclusive, and racially equal healthcare industry, Sheila Thorne, the founder of the Multicultural Healthcare Marketing Group (MHMG), created The Kaleidoscope: Healthcare in a Diverse America From Molecule to Market. In this podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and other streaming platforms, medical leaders and patients of color have impactful conversations with the host, addressing the current issues in the industry and proposing adequate solutions to racial healthcare disparities.

Sheila Thorne, first episode for breast cancer awareness month with Derek Perkinson

Since October 2023, Sheila has been challenging current healthcare norms twice a month, on the first and fourth Thursdays. While all guests are People of Color, symbolizing Sheila's unwavering commitment to giving voice to those who are rarely heard, seen, and considered, the podcast's intended audience is global pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device companies that largely determine healthcare and clinical trial landscapes.

Among diverse topics mused in The Kaleidoscope, Sheila highlights clinical criteria for exclusion and inclusion in research. That subject reflects her dedication to elevating current clinical trials with racial and ethnic diversity, aiming to bridge the striking gaps in the industry. "Sometimes, that criteria is prohibitive," she illuminates. "Many trials seek people with specific diseases, excluding everyone else. For instance, if they look for heart disease patients, any other illnesses are believed to skew data. Truth is, in such a diverse world, it's unlikely to find someone with only one health problem. I think we should all ask ourselves, ‘Do these criteria have to be so stringent, or can we make them more liberal to include more people?'"

Determined to turn the podcast into a wealth of knowledge on the industry's various challenges, Sheila sparks conversations on diverse issues, often inspired by current media buzz terms and relevant themes. For instance, in November, which is Diabetes Awareness Month, she raises awareness about living with that specific disease in communities of color. Similarly, in September, Sheila would talk about prostate cancer, HIV and AIDS in December, and Hispanic heritage in October.

In today's healthcare realm, stained by racial inequality and deeply rooted discrimination, raising and amplifying brave voices that dare to stand against the norms is crucial. "There are social and cultural determinants that impact the patient journey and potential outcomes," Sheila adds. "The Kaleidoscope talks about the issues permeating communities globally, and it's my mission to spread the message far and wide. It's all about supporting patients and professionals who are rarely seen and changing the industry's foundations to foster a culture of authentic diversity, equity, and inclusivity."

Media Contact

Name: Raphael Judkins

Email: rjudkinsmhmg@outlook.com