Diversity & Inclusion
“Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small
places, close to home — so close and so small that they
cannot be seen on any maps of the world. […] Unless these
rights have meaning there, they have little meaning
anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them
close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger
world.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
The University of North Carolina School of Medicine and the UNC Medical Center are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that enhances our learning environment, innovative research, and the quality of care available to all. We believe that a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion leads to new ways of thinking, behaving and caring.
We embrace the Association of American Medical Colleges’ (AAMC) definition of diversity, including the recognition that diversity is not limited to gender, race and ethnicity, but must also include age, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious commitment, physical ability and other varied backgrounds and life experiences.
Together, the UNC School of Medicine and the UNC Medical Center strive to recruit, retain, and develop a diverse group of individuals to ensure a vibrant community that promotes excellence in education, discovery, clinical care and the elimination of health disparities locally, regionally and nationally.
About The UNC PM&R Diversity & Inclusion Committee
The department has a Diversity and Inclusion Committee that meets regularly to discuss programming and to reaffirm our commitment to fostering a departmental culture that prioritizes equity, dignity, and opportunity for all.
Current Committee Members:
- Raj Telhan, MD, MFA (Committee Co-Chair)
- Matt Harris, PhD, ABPP(CN) (Committee Co-Chair)
- Hannah Allen, PhD
- Joshua Alexander, MD
- Jessica Barnhill, MD
- Hagar Elgendy, MD
- Kim Faurot, PhD, MPH, PA
- Susan Gaylord, PhD
- Zannie Gunn
- Thomas Petruska, MS
- Raveen Sugantharaj, DO
- Karla Thompson, PhD
Racial Equity Institute (REI) Trainings
The UNC PM&R strives to promote diversity and inclusion within our department and residency curriculum. We provide tuition for employees to attend trainings with the Racial Equity Institute. These workshops are designed to increase understanding of structural racism and its cultural and historic roots. All employees are encouraged to complete the UNC School of Medicine DEI Certificate Program.
DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) Certificate Program
The DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) Certificate Program is a new initiative from the SOM Office of Inclusive Excellence in support of the 2019 SOM Strategic Plan to foster an inclusive workplace environment. The program’s curriculum offers workshops and trainings designed to broaden awareness about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion topics among the SOM faculty/staff and deepen engagement with and between individuals in the SOM at all levels – from patients to leadership. The workshops offered as part of the certificate program address a broad array of DEI topics, including those related to race and ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation, culture and religion, socioeconomic status, and more.
For details on program curriculum, please visit the UNC SOM’s Office of Inclusive Excellence website:
www.med.unc.edu/inclusion/programs-and-initiatives/deicertificate-program
Standard Safe Zone
The Standard Safe Zone is a 4-hour training is designed to introduce concepts, terminology and resources related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
Safe Zone trainees develop:
• A deeper awareness of personal ideas, stereotypes, and assumptions related to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and asexual (LGBTIQA) individuals
• An increased comfort level in addressing concepts and language regarding LGBTIQA
communities with the university community and with individuals
• An increased awareness of services on campus that support LGBTIQA and allied individuals
• A network of community and campus staff, faculty, and students to support people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions on campus
Rankings
Niche’s Most Diverse Cities and Most Diverse Places to Live in NC.
2022/23 Upcoming SOM Office of Inclusive Excellence Trainings Schedule
UNC SOM’s Statement on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
| Workshop Title | Description | Date and Registration link |
|---|---|---|
| Unconscious Bias | Explores unintended/implicit bias and introduces foundational concepts that are necessary to additional engagement with DEI-related topics and issues. This workshop will be offered monthly throughout the year, and is strongly recommended to be first training that participants attend. |
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| Respecting All | This workshop explores microaggressions and biased behavior prevalent in the SOM and provides participants tools with which to intervene when witnessing acts of disrespect and discrimination. |
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| Health Care Safe Zone Training | Health Care Safe Zone is a four-hour alternative to Standard Safe Zone that similarly introduces concepts, terminology, and resources related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.The curriculum also covers LGBTQ health disparities, health resources, and common health professional scenarios, along with a terminology primer and strategies for allyship. This training is intended to address concerns particular to Health Care professionals. | Visit the UNC LGBTQ Center website to register for either Standard Safe Zone or Health Care Safe Zone. Once completed, please forward your certificate to Isaiah Mckeithan (isaiah_mckeithan@med.unc.edu) |
| Achieving Equity in Health Care | This workshop explores the history of racial disparities in the United States and its effects on our education and health care systems. |
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