Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The Department of Medicine strives for inclusive excellence. Inclusive excellence is the practice of assuring equity and inclusion in all matters pertaining to faculty, trainees and staff, as well as the continuous examination of departmental practices and operations. It is the recognition that the department’s success is dependent on how we value, engage and include the rich diversity of faculty, trainees, staff and alumni.

Programs

Strategic Equity and Inclusion Leadership Program (coming Fall 2021)

We are launching a new program to develop inclusive leaders. The program will cover a series of topics including: developing common language and consensus; diagnosing institutional bias; EDI organizational frameworks; best practices in recruitment and retention; inclusive communication; change management; and more.

Initiatives

50/50 by 2020

In 2019, we made a commitment to ensure that, by 2020, 50% of speakers featured in Grand Rounds and other departmental or divisional conferences would be women or others who are underrepresented in medicine. We’re proud to share that we met this goal, and will continue to maintain this balance beyond 2020.
The Bias Reduction in Internal Medicine (BRIM) Initiative

We are participating in the BRIM Initiative, an NIH-funded study out of the University of Wisconsin that is examining the impact of implicit bias in over twenty departments of medicine nationwide. The initiative provides anti-bias training to our faculty and builds capacity by training department facilitators. At the end of the study—in approximately two years—we will receive a report that includes an assessment of our culture, climate and bias.

Opportunities

Inclusive Excellence Award

The goal of this annual award is to recognize faculty, trainees, and staff for outstanding efforts and achievements in diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural competence that advance health equity and inclusive pedagogy, environments, and practices.
Promoting Inclusive Excellence (PIE) Grants

The Promoting Inclusion and Equity (PIE) Grant program supports faculty engaged in work that advances the department’s goal toward creating a more diverse, inclusive, equitable, and just environment.

Events

EDI Summer Series

Our Summer Series on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion features speakers and productive, interactive discussions on an array of topics. You may view recordings of our 2020 series, as well as other recent relevant events, on YouTube.
Department of Medicine / IU Health Joint Book Club

This book club was launched in spring 2021 to facilitate a strong connection between our two organizations and to encourage thoughtful conversations around issues of equity, diversity, inclusion and justice at the intersection of medicine.

Affinity Groups

Women in Medicine

This group meets on a monthly basis to discuss issues impacting women within the department and throughout the School of Medicine. It features regular speakers, discussions, and an annual book club. Events are open to women-identified members of the Department of Medicine.