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ForwardAdvancing Equity in Maternal Health in Illinois: Understanding & Interrupting Bias
Pricing
ISMS members: Free
Non-ISMS members: $75.00 Free until Nov. 15th
Course description
The intersection between maternal health and implicit bias can have a powerful impact on disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality in Illinois. According to a 2023 report from the IDPH, Black women have the highest risk of pregnancy-related death in Illinois and were almost twice as likely to die of pregnancy-related causes. Studies show that factors such as social determinants of health and implicit bias contribute to maternal health disparities and outcomes. Implicit bias can be challenging to recognize because it is generally unconscious and influenced by a combination of personal, cultural, and environmental perceptions. Physicians and healthcare providers can benefit from educational activities highlighting the pervasiveness of implicit bias and its impact on patient care, particularly within the context of maternal morbidity and mortality.
Join the Illinois State Medical Society for this program presented by Melissa A. Simon, M.D., Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Preventive Medicine, and Medical Social Sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine to learn more about how implicit biases develop and influence decision-making and patient care, the negative effects of implicit bias, and how to effectively mitigate those effects.
The state of Illinois requires physicians and other licensed healthcare professionals who provide maternal health care services to complete one hour of continuing education on implicit bias in maternal health awareness each licensure cycle starting July 1, 2026.
Learning objectives
At the conclusion of this learning activity, participants will be able to:
- Distinguish between explicit and implicit biases
- Recognize why maternal health disparities exist in Illinois and the United States
- Define bias – explicit, implicit, and structural – and recognize it and its impact in clinical settings
- Listen to, reflect on, and value lived experiences of all patients and community members
- Practice specific, evidence-informed skills to interrupt bias in real-time
- Commit to at least one personal or team action that advances equity and dignity in care
Disclosure
The planners, faculty, and others in control of content have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.
CME information
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 the Illinois State Medical Society and ISMIE Mutual Insurance Company. The Illinois State Medical Society is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The Illinois State Medical Society designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
The Illinois Nurse Practice Act rules deem CME credit provided by approved sponsors as acceptable to fulfill nursing continuing education requirements for licensure. Nurses may claim one contact hour per unit of CME in the state of Illinois.
Additional information
The recommendations contained in this resource are not intended to define conduct that is appropriate in every case, should not be considered as establishing any standard of care, and do not constitute legal advice. Physicians, clinicians and healthcare providers should take care to ensure that all care rendered reflects the best clinical judgment and complies with the laws and regulations of the state or location at which the care was provided.
Melissa A. Simon, M.D., M.P.H
Melissa A. Simon, M.D., M.P.H., is Vice Chair for Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; George H. Gardner, MD, Professor of Clinical Gynecology; and Professor, of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Preventive Medicine, and Medical Social Sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. Simon's primary research interests are aimed at promoting health equity and eliminating health disparities among low income, medically underserved women across the lifespan. Integrating health services research with social epidemiologic models, Dr. Simon's research focuses on interventions (such as patient navigation and community health outreach workers) that aim to reduce and eliminate such disparities.
Meets State-Mandated Requirements
Available Credit
- 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
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 the Illinois State Medical Society and ISMIE Mutual Insurance Company. The Illinois State Medical Society is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The Illinois State Medical Society designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
- 1.00 Participation Credit