Diversity is more than a structure that runs parallel to our priorities and mission — we strive to harness its power to drive excellence in our institution. History supports our belief that this work is not only valuable for underrepresented and marginalized communities. It opens up opportunities and possibilities for us all.
Who We Are
Where We’re Headed
- Establish department-level DEI leadership
- Develop a DEI dashboard aligned with strategic plan goals and priorities
- Establish faculty, staff, and learner advisory structures
- Sustain ongoing community stakeholder engagement
- Operationalize findings from the 2021 VCU Climate Report and school-level surveys
- Enhance transparency and strengthen incident reporting systems
- Implement AAMC anti-racism and restorative justice frameworks
- Facilitate implementation of the 2021 anti-racism, bias, and DEI curriculum review
- Establish a comprehensive staff awards and recognition program
- Strengthen junior/mid-career faculty DEI resources
- Integrate the History and Health initiative in undergraduate medical education, graduate medical education and graduate education curriculum
- Institutionalize the UVA Stepping In 4 Respect model
- Develop learner-focused DEI training and development programs
Where We’ve Been
- Establish a School of Medicine Inclusion Council
- Host an annual lecture on diversity and racial equity
- Hire a associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion
- Launch the School of Medicine OUTlist
- Remove icons on campus commemorating events, people and places with historical ties to racism or other forms of discrimination
- Remove the legacy checkbox on M.D. applications
- Designate a nondenominational prayer space for students and trainees on the MCV Campus
- Establish a medical education work group to address the naming of academic societies and conduct a curriculum review regarding racism, bias, diversity, equity and inclusion
- Establish an Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion that promotes strong collaborations with the Offices of Medical Education, Admissions and Student Outreach and Faculty Affairs
- Establish search committee training curriculum
- Publish meaningful DEI statements at the department level
- Increase scholarships
- Diversify School of Medicine leadership, faculty and medical student body
- Track and report hiring, recruiting and retention efforts
- Promote community outreach and systemic changes
- Engage in other opportunities as arise through the School of Medicine Inclusion Council
Annual Events
Orientation Crucial Conversations
Crucial Conversations is a session held during student orientation that addresses issues of racism and discrimination.
DEI Lecture
The annual DEI lecture provides an open dialogue around creating a more diverse, inclusive and equitable environment.