Episode 3

Cultural Competence Is Not a Destination: Dr. Karlita Warren on Building Inclusive Care

Published on: 25th January, 2021

Dr. Karlita Warren, sports medicine educator and advocate for diversity in healthcare, joins the AT Last Podcast to talk about what it really means to practice cultural competence. She explains how clinicians can better serve athletes from diverse backgrounds by understanding cultural context, breaking down barriers to communication, and addressing implicit biases in treatment decisions.

This conversation highlights why representation matters, not only in who receives care but also in who provides it. Dr. Warren shares practical strategies for healthcare providers, from rethinking patient interactions to designing systems that honor equity. The result is an inspiring roadmap for a more inclusive future in sports medicine, one where all athletes feel seen, heard, and supported.

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Guest Contact

Website:  https://thekizoeffect.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlita-l-warren-phd-atc-5b72a838/


References

  1. Nynas SM. The assessment of athletic training students’ knowledge and behavior to provide culturally competent care. Athletic Training Education Journal. 2015;10(1):82-90.
  2. Grove DH, Mansell J. Cultural competence: where are we as athletic training educators? Athletic Training Education Journal. 2020;15(1):49-54.
  3. Geisler PR. Multiculturalism and athletic training education: implications for educational and professional progress. J Athl Train. 2003;38(2):141-151.
  4. Volberding JL. Perceived cultural competence levels in undergraduate athletic training students. Athletic Training Education Journal. 2013;8(3):66-70.
  5. Kochanek J. Promoting cultural competence in athletic training education: an intergroup dialogue approach. Athletic Training Education Journal. 2020;15(2):113-119.
  6. Volberding J. Relationship between cultural competence and athletic training students’ confidence in providing culturally competent care. Athletic Training & Sports Health Care. Published online January 3, 2014.
  7. Barfield JP, Cobler DC, Lam ETC, Zhang J, Chitiyo G. Differences between African-American and Caucasian students on enrollment influences and barriers in kinesiology-based allied health education programs. Advances in Physiology Education. 2012;36(2):164-169.
  8. Hunt V, Prince S, Dixon-Fyle S, Dolan K. Diversity wins: How inclusion matters. McKinsey & Company Report. May 2020
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About the Podcast

The AT Last Podcast
Sports medicine practitioners recognizing, addressing, and catalyzing change.
Sports medicine practitioners recognizing, addressing, and catalyzing change within their spheres of influence. Hosts Christopher Bates and Adam Cady focus on advancing health equity and DEIA in sports medicine, exploring how issues of race, representation, and systemic barriers shape the care and opportunities available to athletes and healthcare providers. Through candid conversations with leaders, practitioners, and changemakers, the podcast highlights both the challenges and the transformative possibilities of building a more just and inclusive future in sports medicine and beyond.
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About your hosts

Christopher Bates

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Christopher Bates is a proud family man and has passionately worked in sports medicine and human performance for over a decade. He is both a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC), as well as a Registered Strength & Conditioning Coach (RSCC). Bates' experiences and paradigms for excellence have led to the creation and establishment of several holistic sports medicine and athletic-performance skill development programs across all levels of athletics including Olympic, University, High School and youth.

Currently, Bates serves as the Sports Medicine Manager and Head Athletic Trainer for USA Water Polo’s Men’s Olympic team. Bates also directs the athletic-performance skill development for the team along with the team's dedicated strength and conditioning coach.

Adam Cady

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Adam C. Cady holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology/Athletic Training from California State University-Fullerton, and a Master of Health Science from Duke University. He is also a graduate of the sports medicine fellowship program at The Steadman Clinic, in Vail, Colorado. He currently works as a Physician Assistant at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles, where he specializes in sports medicine.

His current passions/research interests include improving health equity in underserved communities and Functional Medicine.