Resident Psychiatrist
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Dr. Isaiah Crum, a psychiatry resident at UPMC, was deeply shaped by his upbringing in Omaha, NE. Encountering health inequities and racial discrimination firsthand, he was compelled towards medicine, determined to amplify representation and bridge gaps in care.
In medical school, he played a pivotal role in founding the White Coats for Black Lives (WC4BL) chapter, aiming to foster deeper dialogues on diversity in healthcare. Now at UPMC, he's part of a crucial research initiative studying Black fathers' insights into early childhood adversities and toxic stress.
His time in the CL service during residency underscored the importance of understanding systemic health disparities and their impact on patient care. Dr. Crum became acutely aware of the nuanced challenges diverse patients face, reaffirming his belief in the essential role consultation-liaison psychiatry plays. By recognizing the complex interplay of medical, psychological, and sociocultural factors, he sees CL psychiatry as a vanguard for integrating DEI principles into clinical care.
Passionately committed to mentorship, Dr. Crum regularly conducts didactic sessions, sharing his unique experiences and insights. Overcoming personal challenges, especially navigating ADHD stigma within the Black community, he's emerged as a relatable and inspiring figure for many.
A firm believer in DEI, he's actively engaged with the CL DEI task force at UPMC. At the upcoming CL psych conference, he's eager to present a project harmonizing his fervor for DEI, consultation-liaison psychiatry, and medical pedagogy.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Needs Assessment for a C-L Psychiatry Service
Friday, November 10, 2023
1:45 PM – 3:15 PM CST