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DEI Newsletter – JFM 2021

In 2020, nearly every person globally has experienced a complete disruption of their lives due to the coronavirus, social change, and more, and are tasked with navigating the challenges. Staying neutral or silent on topics such as racism, gender inequity, and unconscious bias is no longer an option.

DEI-related achievements in 2020

  1. Formed a core team for processing and advancing DEI events in and around our department.
  2. DEI interest group meetings held in June, July, August, September, and December.
  3. Hosted the UNC School of Medicine Vice Dean of Diversity, Nate Thomas PhD, for grand rounds on 5/7/2020.
  4. Held grand rounds regarding DEI efforts for the School of Medicine and department, Angela Wabulya MB ChB, 10/4/2020.
  5. Held grand rounds regarding microaggressions, Winnie Lau M.D, 12/10/2020.
  6. Developed webpage with Neurology DEI efforts.
  7. Increased implicit bias training in the department (14 members now have completed two-hour implicit bias training).
  8. Sent out two newsletters.
  9. Sent out DEI-related video reminders (2), Conversations with a Black Man.
  10. Identifyied DEI action items for the Department of Neurology.
  11. Established feedback form regarding DEI efforts (three units, placed in Houpt Building, Hospital, and clinic areas).
  12. Began resident processing DEI-related events led by Winnie Lau M.D.

Areas of focus for 2021

    1. Keep the conversation going (DEI training, grand rounds, quarterly newsletter, quarterly meetings, feedback, website updates).
    2. Scholarship (curriculum and mentorships).
    3. Defining and sticking to habits.
    4. Discussing, studying, and addressing health care disparities in the populations we serve.

Jorge L. Almodóvar-Suárez, MDSpotlight Interview

This quarter’s spotlight interview is with Jorge L. Almodóvar-Suárez, MD, who is an associate professor of neurology specializing in general neurology and neuromuscular disorders. Read the interview >

DEI Mentorship Programs

The UNC Office of Inclusive Excellence offers several programs and initiatives to support diversity, equity and inclusion. Learn more >

Upcoming Events

  • One-hour implicit bias training on 1/14/2021
  • Next DEI-related grand rounds on 1/14/2021
  • Highlight: University /Community Annual MLK Banquet (Virtual)
    Please register: University/Community Annual MLK Banquet
  • DEI-related ground rounds: Health Care Disparities in Stroke on 3/24/2021
  • Monthly resident curriculum DEI-processing meetings (please contact Winnie Lau)
  • Mentorship participation within the School of Medicine
  • Quarterly meeting of DEI interest group meeting on 3/12/2021 from 12-1 pm

Ideas for DEI-related New Year’s Resolutions

National Diversity Council: 10 DEI Resolutions for 2021

JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) Tool Kit

This toolkit is a repository of resources and ideas offered to support all efforts to improve justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. The hope is that this will be a living, responsive toolkit that can serve many people at different points in different ways.

Calendar for DEI-related Events

UNC events for January 17 – February 26, 2021

Challenge: Do you have implicit Bias?

Once we are aware of our biases, we can start the process of self improvement. Follow this link to take a test >

A message of perseverance from UNC School of Medicine

Watch the video >

Multicultural & Diversity Calendar

January 2021

Month-long observances:

    •  National Mentoring Month
    •  Poverty in America Awareness Month
    •  Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness Month

Important D&I calendar dates:

    •  January 1 – New Year’s Day
    •  January 4 – National Braille Day
    •  January 7 – Christmas (Eastern Orthodox)
    •  January 10 – Mahayana New Year (Buddhist)
    •  January 17 – World Religion Day
    •  January 18 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
    •  January 26 – International Customs Day
    •  January 27 – International Holocaust Remembrance Day
    • January 28 — Mahayana New Year (Buddhist)

February 2021

Month-long observances:

    •  American Heart Month
    •  Black History Month
    •  Human Relations Month

Important D&I calendar dates:

    •  February 1 – National Freedom Day
    •  February 12 — Chinese New Year (Year of the Ox)
    •  February 14 – Valentine’s Day
    •  February 15 – Nirvana Day (Buddhist)
    •  February 15 – Presidents’ Day (U.S.A.)
    •  February 16 – Mardi Gras
    •  February 17 – Ash Wednesday
    •  February 20 – World Day of Social Justice
    •  February 25 — Purim (Jewish)

March 2021

Month-long observances:

    •  Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
    •  Ethnic Equality Month
    •  Gender Equality Month
    •  Greek-American Heritage Month
    •  Irish-American Heritage Month
    •  National Colon Cancer Awareness Month
    •  National Kidney Month
    •  National Multiple Sclerosis Awareness and Education Month
    •  National Women’s History Month

Important D&I calendar dates:

    •  March 5 – Employee Appreciation Day
    •  March 8 – International Women’s Day
    •  March 11 – Maha Shivarati (Hindu)
    •  March 14 – Pi Day
    •  March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day
    •  March 19 – Naw-Ruz (Baha’I New Year)
    •  March 25 – International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
    •  March 27 – Passover begins (Jewish)
    •  March 28 – Holi (Hindu)
    •  March 28 – Palm Sunday (Christian)
    •  March 31 – Equal Pay Day
    •  March 31 – International Transgender Day of Visibility

Questions regarding the platform can be directed to wabulya@neurology.unc.edu
cc: DEI@neurology.unc.edu