Diversity, Inclusion, and Health Equity
Diversity, inclusion, and health equity (DIHE)
Diversity, inclusion, and health equity (DIHE) are essential to our mission, vision and values as a department. For the true benefits of diversity to be realized, diversity must be at the core (not the periphery) of academic medicine. Creating a culture and climate that values diversity and inclusion will help support this shift. The Association of American Medical Colleges developed the Diversity 3.0 framework to provide academic health centers with a guide to assess their culture and climate in order to promote a culture of inclusion. A comprehensive, inclusive assessment of organizational culture and climate allows for evidence-based interventions that will improve and enhance medical education.
Diversity embodies inclusiveness, mutual respect, and multiple perspectives and serves as a catalyst for institutional change. These changes contribute to community engagement and health equity. Diversity encompasses various human differences, including socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, language, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, geography, disability, and age. Inclusion is a core element for successfully achieving diversity. We promote inclusion by enhancing the institution’s culture through strategic professional development, education, policy implementation, and best practices. We aim to promote belonging, respect, and value for all, improving engagement and connection within the institution and the community.
Our Diversity Inclusion and Health Equity committee actively works to integrate essential DIHE values throughout various aspects of the department.