Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Mission

The Internal Medicine Department aims to foster a culture that values and respects all individuals, regardless of their identity and experiences. We recognize that diversity encompasses numerous aspects of human differences including but not limited to age, gender identity/expression, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, physical abilities, socioeconomic status, etc. We are committed to building an equity-minded department where diverse trainees, staff, and faculty can feel a sense of belonging as well as thrive personally and professionally. We believe this is a strategic imperative to advance the medical school’s mission of fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment, tackling health disparities, and providing the best care for the diverse patient population we serve.

Dr Wunmi Aibana serves as the department’s Vice Chair for Diversity and Inclusion. She also leads the department’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council, which brings together students, residents, fellows, and faculty on an ongoing basis to address relevant DEI issues. The Vice Chair and Departmental leadership set objectives and develop action items to guide the Internal Medicine Department in achieving its DEI goals including:

• Increase recruitment and retention of diverse trainees into the Residency and Fellowship programs within the Department.
• Facilitate recruitment, retention, and promotion of diverse faculty and staff.
• Provide professional development opportunities to faculty/staff and deliver relevant curriculum to trainees on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Foster increased communication and collaboration across the various Divisions
• Promote greater transparency and equitable access to resources available for professional and leadership development for individuals with diverse backgrounds and skills.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with external and diverse communities, organizations, and leaders.