The Diversity Council is a diverse group of faculty, staff, and trainees who are committed to promoting our values and priorities in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The charges to the committee are as follows:

• Help UConn GME become more effective in recruitment, graduation, and retention, of a diverse resident, faculty, and staff workforce.
• Review existing and develop new policies and procedures, including the reporting of mistreatment, related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, that are consistent across the consortium hospitals.
• Review existing curriculum, identify gaps and make recommendations regarding required education and annual retreats addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion topics.
• Review annual climate survey, and make recommendations to each consortium hospital to address concerns in a timely fashion.

“My experiences as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and as a mother of children who navigate the complexities of racial identity provide me with an understanding of the systemic barriers faced by marginalized groups. This insight is crucial for advocating effectively for inclusive policies and practices within our university.”

“I work with children and families with disabilities using available evidence-based practice to promote resilience, equity, and optimal developmental outcomes for my patients, especially those from underserved populations.”

“Over the recent years, I have noticed my conception of diversity has changed. In retrospect, I never thought much about diversity when I left India to go to England for my higher studies. Only after coming to America did I understand the meaning and value of diversity. I realized that many people have had to navigate daunting pathways to overcome obstacles and achieve. From my experience working and living on three different continents, I now make the conscious effort to not view diversity as a “trendy” bandwagon, but to put it into practice wherever I go.”

“My interest in serving on the Diversity Oversight Committee not only stems from my personal experience as a disabled gay veteran but also from the unique perspective of a dermatologist and educator. Under-represented minorities make up a very small percentage of U.S. dermatologists, and skin-of-color images are relatively sparse in the dermatology literature and textbooks. As the editor of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Case Reports, I am especially attuned to this image/education deficit and am presently recruiting a special associate editor to help close this gap.”

“My professional interest regards diversity, equity, and inclusion in perioperative cardiovascular medicine. Disparities in access to care and outcomes of care that are associated with race, ethnicity, gender, and social determinants of health are well documented in perioperative cardiovascular medicine. Perspectives regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion in physician recruitment, retention, research, education, and pathways for professional engagement are important to resolving these disparities.”

“I’m interested in joining the Diversity Oversight Committee because I can contribute towards its purpose. I understand the different struggles one might go through to pursue their passion.”

“The desire to become involved in the DIE committee reflects my life-long belief in equity and opportunity regardless of background, as well as my interest in broadly participating in the UConn Health community.”

“Equality, diversity, and inclusion is at the heart of any organization to thrive. It brings about full representation for all. During my interview and at the diversity and inclusion Zoom session, I was impressed by the level of awareness and inclusiveness at UConn. However, I also realized that more can still be done to ensure that every community is well represented in the GME Program. I feel blessed for the opportunity I have to learn in this prestigious academic institution. If privilege to be part of the diversity oversight committee, and I will work to engage faculty, fellows, and resident, expose them to innovative ideas on how to bridge the inequality gap and introduce fresh ideas into the recruitment new members.”

“Personally, I strive to become better versed in the importance of DEI and exercise the profound opportunity it fosters for patient empowerment.”

“I am deeply committed to promoting diversity in all its forms, with a focus on creating inclusive environments for multicultural, multilinguistic communities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ people. My passion lies in fostering clinical and training settings where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered.”

“I plan to help echo the voices of individuals belonging to communities that have experienced discrimination, inequity, and segregation in relation to the health care system. I specifically want to use my personal background to help improve the care and treatment of those belonging to the LGBTQ+, Jewish, and deaf/hard of hearing communities.”

“The opportunity to reshape the perspective of the healthcare system, which has admittedly had its set of downfalls, is one for which I am grateful. As an African American woman surgeon, my purpose is to serve as a vessel to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the medical community. Creating an atmosphere which is welcoming and inspiring for all is an advancement for all in healthcare.”

“As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, it was important for me to find an avenue to create a safe and more equitable space for fellow members of my community, including colleagues and patients. I am grateful that this committee shares those same values and is committed to creating a culture that authentically fosters diversity across the spectrum.”

“By serving on the Diversity Oversight Committee, I aspire to collaborate with like-minded colleagues to learn about and implement strategies that not only celebrate our differences but also dismantle barriers to equitable care. A significant part of my professional work has encompassed advocacy and activism efforts at a population level, particularly in my work as a board member with NAMI Philadelphia (National Alliance on Mental Illness).”

“As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I will bring a unique perspective to the council and hope to represent this element of diversity within the group. I have committed myself to exploring and understanding the experiences of LGBTQ+ residents.”

“I’m interested in joining the Diversity Oversight Committee because I can contribute towards its purpose. I understand the different struggles one might go through to pursue their passion.”

“Having witnessed firsthand the barriers faced by underrepresented communities in healthcare and education, I am committed to creating inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and enhance patient care and community engagement. I look forward to contributing to the DOC's mission of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in Graduate Medical Education.”

“As a medical student, I earned my Master of Arts in Urban Bioethics while earning my Medical Degree. One of the benefits of earning my Master's was participating in community forums and discussions where providers and students in the medical field were able to have open conversations with members of the community we serve to better identify their unique needs and how we can best serve them.”

“I believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are pivotal in enhancing excellence in the medical field. My commitment to these principles is driven by the understanding that a diverse and inclusive healthcare environment not only enriches patient care but also fosters innovative solutions and equitable outcomes for all.”

“As an international medical graduate from Malaysia, diversity and inclusion have been a crucial part of my journey here in the United States. I was fortunate to have spent 4 years of internal medicine and chief residency that fosters an environment of diversity and inclusion. Throughout these years, I’ve learned so much from friends, colleagues, and patients from various backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and education from all over the world.”

“Being the first generation college graduate, the first physician in my family, and growing up with immigrant parents will always inspire me to work with other diverse populations. I value various cultures, ethnicities, equities, and inclusions because I believe it makes us all unique and allows us to learn from one another.”

“I am interested in being an active member of the DOC because I am deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are recognized and valued. I aim to contribute to initiatives that promote equitable practices and address disparities within medicine and healthcare organizations. My background as an alumnus of the Meyerhoff Scholarship Program and passion for diversity and inclusion align with the committee’s mission, and I am eager to help drive meaningful change.”