Q&A: HUED CEO Kimberly Wilson Speaks on Health Equity, Cultural Competency Training for Doctors 

In 2023, the Global Innovation Center partnered with HUED, a learning and development startup focused on health equity, to offer its customized, interactive training to a select provider audience. Of the 1,000 optometrists who participated in the pilot, 98 percent said they gained valuable insights on how to better interact with patients and there was a 99 percent increase in providers that said they can now ‘implement and articulate’ the strategies needed to help close the health equity gap.  
 
Optometrists that completed the pilot received a continuing education credit (CE), council on optometric practitioner education (COPE) accreditation, and placement on the HUED Directory of Increased Visibility as a Culturally Competent and Humbled Provider. 

To celebrate the pilot's completion, the GIC spoke with HUED CEO Kimberly Wilson about the company’s mission to advance health equity and the importance of cultural competency for all healthcare professionals.  

Q: What led you to starting a company focused on health equity and cultural competency? 

A: From my personal and professional experiences, I recognized a significant gap in the healthcare system regarding health equity and cultural competency. I’ve spoken about it quite extensively in the past, but it was through my own experiences as a Black woman navigating the health system, and experiencing disproportionate healthcare, where I was truly able to see this upfront and realize the need for change. 

Many communities, particularly those of color, often face barriers to accessing quality healthcare that respects and understands their cultural backgrounds. This realization became a catalyst for founding HUED. I wanted to create a platform that bridges this gap by not only connecting patients with culturally competent healthcare providers, but also equip those providers with the knowledge, tools and education they need to treat the increasingly diverse patient population. Our mission is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their ethnicity or cultural background, receives the care they deserve, and learning and development is our vehicle in order to drive this change. 

Q: How has HUED evolved since you started the company? 

A: Since HUED's inception, we have seen tremendous growth and transformation. Initially, our focus was on building a network of culturally competent healthcare providers. Over time, we expanded our scope to include comprehensive educational resources, community outreach programs, and partnerships with various healthcare organizations. We’ve incorporated advanced technology to enhance our platform, making it easier for patients to find and connect with the right providers.  

Additionally, our impact has grown beyond just individual connections to influencing broader systemic changes in healthcare practices and policies. Through continuous feedback and adaptation, HUED has become a leader in advocating for health equity and cultural competency, and we remain committed to innovating and expanding our efforts to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve. 

Q: Why is cultural competency important for healthcare providers? Why is it important for optometrists specifically? 

A: Cultural competency is crucial for healthcare providers because it directly impacts the quality of care patients receive. When healthcare providers understand and respect the diverse cultural backgrounds of their patients, they can communicate more effectively, build stronger trust, and provide more personalized and effective care. Cultural competency also helps to eliminate misunderstandings and biases that can lead to misdiagnoses or ineffective treatment plans. It also ensures that patients feel valued and respected, which encourages them to be more engaged in their healthcare decisions and follow through with recommended treatments. 

For optometrists, cultural competency is particularly important for several reasons. Vision health is deeply connected to overall well-being and quality of life, and cultural beliefs and practices can significantly influence how patients perceive eye health and treatment.  

Q: What have you learned about the healthcare industry since starting HUED? 

A: Since starting HUED, I have learned that the healthcare industry is deeply complex and multifaceted, and oftentimes even resistant to the change needed to move the needle on some of the most critical issues we’ve seen impacting marginalized populations. Unfortunately, the healthcare system is a microcosm of the great world we live in. As a result, I've come to appreciate the value of collaboration and advocacy in driving systemic changes towards a more equitable healthcare system. This journey has underscored the necessity of persistent innovation, empathy, and dedication in tackling the challenges within healthcare. 

Q: How do you see HUED growing/evolving in the future? 

A: In the future, I envision HUED growing into a comprehensive health equity platform that not only connects patients with culturally competent healthcare providers but also offers extensive educational resources, community support programs, and advocacy initiatives. We aim to leverage advanced technology, such as AI and data analytics, to enhance our matching process and provide personalized care recommendations.  

Additionally, we plan to expand our partnerships with healthcare organizations and policymakers to drive systemic changes towards greater health equity. By continually innovating and responding to the evolving needs of diverse communities, HUED will become a pivotal force in transforming healthcare into a more inclusive and equitable field. 

For more vision innovation news and updates, check out the Global Innovation Center's LinkedIn page.