The following article was authored by Moniba Nazeef, MD, assistant professor of medicine in our school and hematologist/oncologist with UW Health, and Shiva Bidar-Sielaff, MA, SMPH associate dean for diversity and equity transformation and UW Health vice president/chief diversity officer. The article focuses on ways that a clinical health system, with its 24/7 operational activities, can be supportive and inclusive of Muslim faculty, residents, fellows, learners and staff who are observing fasting and other religious observances during the month-long Islamic tradition of Ramadan. As a school of medicine and public health with some areas and units that also have round-the-clock operations, we encourage reflection about practices that might be adapted to academic settings. In addition to the UW Health resources mentioned in this article, below are some campus resources:
- For information about reflection and prayer spaces on the UW–Madison campus, see a listing maintained by the campus Multicultural Center. In the Health Sciences Learning Center, a prayer and reflection space for students is located in Room 3367.
- 2023 Ramadan Meal Service is offered by University Housing’s Dining and Culinary Services.
- For information on university policies about religious observations, see UWPPP Policy 16.05 – Religious Observances and UW-880 – Religious Observances (Academic).
- The below article originally appeared on U-Connect, UW Health’s intranet. To see the article as it appears there, click here (requires UW Health login or VPN to access).
Build a supportive and inclusive workplace during Ramadan
By Moniba Nazeef, MD, Assistant Professor of Hematology/Oncology, and Shiva Bidar-Sielaff, Vice President/Chief Diversity Officer
The Islamic tradition of Ramadan will be taking place this year from March 22 to April 20, 2023. Throughout the world, and here at UW Health, members within the Islamic faith will shift their attentions toward prayer, spiritual reflection, and charitable acts within the community. Fasting, or sawm, is a major observance of Ramadan, and participants will refrain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset each day during this month-long custom. Here in Wisconsin, the duration of fast will last between 13-14 hours. This practice, while difficult, is associated with significant mental well-being and overall physical benefits for the observers and most Muslims prefer to fast as long as their overall health allows.
Families will typically be up around 4am or earlier, depending on what time the sun rises in the region, to prepare and eat the pre-dawn meal that will last them all the way till dinner time. The daily breaking of the fast (Iftar) is an important and joyous communal activity with family and friends. Most people will participate in additional religious gatherings or prayer sessions at night. This means that many will see their sleep disrupted for the month, which could affect their attention and focus at work during the day. It can be challenging for medical residents, trainees, and even faculty members, when they are busy with the day-to-day functions of providing excellent patient care. Providers who are working on call and working late shifts are likely to miss Iftar with family and that can be particularly tough for them if they are working late hours on stretch.
Fasting during COVID-19 presents some additional challenges, such as fasting while in full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), dehydration and longer shifts. PPE which includes the N95 mask or powered air respirators can result in dehydration and heat stress due to the necessarily tight fit around the face and extensive periods for which it is likely to be worn for compared with normal surgical masks.
Build a supportive and inclusive workplace during Ramadan
It is important that leaders build a supportive and inclusive environment for employees who are observing the month. Leaders should raise awareness around the topic on behalf of Muslim providers and staff to help team members understand their co-workers better. It will help ensure that fasting employees feel supported and team members remain understanding. If operational needs allow it, some ways leaders can support their staff are:
- Work hour flexibility
- Allow meal breaks at different times, for example lunch breaks at dusk to coincide with breaking the fast
- Allowing time off to pray, especially at sunset.
- Hold meetings and trainings in the mornings.
- Ramadan concludes with the community celebration, Eid-ul-Fitr. which falls on April 21 or 22 this year depending on the moonsighting. If possible, please accommodate request for time off for Eid-ul-Fitr.
For our Muslim Providers and Staff
- We have a number of designated quiet spaces available throughout UW Health.
- More specifically, The American Family Children’s Hospital Prayer Room located on the First Floor, next to the Safety Center as well as The American Center/East Madison Hospital Meditation Room are non-denominational spaces that you can use as a prayer room.
- Snack and meals:
- Daily snacks courtesy of UW Health: Starting at 5pm daily during the month of Ramadan, water, dates, and energy bars will be provided in Room 1335 at the American Family Children’s Hospital in the open space adjacent to the AFCH prayer room (this is the space that has the Memorial Union chairs and tables) and in Room 1009 at East Madison Hospital.
- Daily snack boxes for purchase: As a small test of change, UW Health will be offering the opportunity to pre-order and pick up halal snack boxes each day during Ramadan. Orders will need to be placed using the Culinary Services online ordering app GET Mobile and must be paid for using UW Health’s Cashless Convenience Orders must be placed each day, 24 hours in advance of the desired pick-up time and picked up in the Mendota Market between the hours of 3:00pm and 6:00am. Options will include Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, high protein milk and protein bars.
- Eid-ul-Fitr Halal boxed meals courtesy of UW Health: On April 21st and 22nd we will be providing a halal boxed meal to help you celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr. Please sign up here for a meal.
Ramadan Mubarak. Happy Ramadan.