Since the first Pride parade in 1970, heroes and allies have advocated for LGBTQ+ equality and fought systemic discrimination.
In medicine, there has certainly been notable progress addressing health and health care disparities of the LGBTQ+ population. We have also seen a growing dedication in clinical, education, and research environments to be free of discrimination.
But we believe there is still much work to be done to transform the landscape of our Academic Medical Center into a welcoming space for both patients and our own Heersink School of Medicine family.
Today, we proudly announce the establishment of the Heersink School of Medicine Office for Diversity and Inclusion Faculty Association for LGBTQ+ faculty and allies.
In 2020, we launched the first two Faculty Associations—one for Black/African American faculty and the other for Hispanic and Latinx faculty. In 2021, a third association for Asian American and Pacific Islander faculty was added.
These associations offer networking, support, validation, and advocacy. They offer a safe space to discuss ongoing challenges and solutions for underrepresented groups and/or minority groups in medicine.
As we celebrate Pride Month this year, we reaffirm our commitment to cultivate environments that are welcoming for all. Join us this month in practicing cultural humility by staying open to new ideas, asking questions, staying informed, and speaking up.
Sincerely,
Mona Fouad, M.D. and Selwyn M. Vickers, M.D., FACS