MRHA Spotlight Series: Meet Allan Rae
July 11, 2025
We’re proud to introduce the first
edition of our new MRHA Spotlight Series, a monthly feature that celebrates
the incredible people shaping patient care and culture across the Mississippi
River Health Alliance.
This month’s spotlight shines
on Allan Rae, Chair of the Patient and Family Advisory Committee
(PFAC) and an active member of MRHA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and
Belonging (DEIB) and Ethics committees.
General Background
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your role at MRHA and how long you’ve
been part of the team?
I originally joined PFAC in the fall of 2023. I brought with me a 20
plus year career as a paramedic, working in various contexts, from urban EMS,
critical care air transport, as well as several medical humanitarian trips to
Sudan, Central Asia, Russia and other places. Though I left the field in 2010
to attend graduate school and complete my MFA in creative writing, I had always
been looking for a way to reconnect with health care in some capacity. So when
the opportunity to join PFAC presented itself, I was thrilled. Over the past
two years, in addition to PFAC, I have joined both the Ethics and DEIB
committees, and in fall of 2024 I was appointed chairperson of PFAC.
Pride Month & Identity
Q: What does Pride Month mean to you personally?
As an out, married, gay man in my mid fifties, Pride month has held many
different meanings for me over the years. From atmosphere of celebration and
progress in the 80’s, to activism around HIV in the 90’s, to today where
visibility and support is especially critical, given some of the political
backsliding we are experiencing as a culture. I've had the opportunity to see
Pride grow from a uniquely LGB experience, to a movement which is inclusive of
trans and gender diverse folks as well, as can be seen in the 2SLGBTQIA+ label.
While some may see it as an ever growing alphabet soup, in reality, it is about
a full commitment to inclusion for all minority sexual orientations and gender
identities/expressions. For me, there are also adjacent meanings, like aligning
with other progressive causes such as racial, reproductive, and economic
justice principles. So when we talk about pride, it isn’t necessarily pride in
being gay, lesbian, bi, trans etc, as those are just traits. It is pride in
existing and thriving as a gay, lesbian, bi, trans person in a culture that
often wishes we didn't.
Q: As a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, what does feeling safe and
supported in the workplace look like for you?
Feeling safe and supported at work is so important, especially in health
care. What that looks like for me is the opportunity bring your whole self and
experiences to your role, both personally and professionally, while not having
to hide or edit those parts. It means being appreciated for adding to a rich
diversity of individuals, all working toward the goal of greater inclusion and
support for everyone in our community, no matter how they identify.
Workplace Culture
Q: What makes you feel most proud to be part of MRHA?
The real commitment that this organization has given to issues like
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging makes me exceedingly proud. We’re
at a time in our culture where too often these concepts are misunderstood as
divisive principles. Instead, the MRHA, from its front line staff to the
leadership team, to the Allied Boards of Directors, and our fully supportive
CEO have leaned in and made it a priority. Through words, yes, but more
importantly, through attention, listening, and action.
Looking Ahead
Q: What does true allyship mean to you — either in or outside of work?
I think allyship has many meanings and understandings. I like to think
of it simply as taking part in and supporting a struggle that is not your own,
then making a commitment to that struggle simply because it’s the right thing
to do. For example, one could say that as a white man, I don’t have to fight
for racial justice because it doesn’t affect me personally. But allyship is
recognizing the greater human need, then making a commitment to join that
struggle, as if it were your own.