At UAB School of Medicine we want to listen, we want to act, and we want to do better.
In recent years, the Office for Diversity and Inclusion has taken a more active role in recruiting people from diverse backgrounds—an important first step in creating an inclusive workplace for all. As we continue to bring more people from underrepresented groups to the School of Medicine, it becomes equally important that we cultivate an institutional climate that supports and nurtures their professional development.
To help facilitate this, we have been working for the past several months to identify faculty leaders that can help bring ODI’s mission and vision to life. Now, we are excited to be able to finally announce the establishment of the UAB School of Medicine Black/African American Faculty Association and the Hispanic/Latinx Faculty Association.
Within these associations, members are encouraged to communicate, network, mentor, and serve as a voice for cultural and educational concerns among the faculty. By advocating for each respective community, it is our goal to enhance multicultural awareness, diversity, and inclusion in healthcare.
The first meet and greets will be held the week of June 22, 2020, virtually. Faculty and staff who have identified as Black/African American or Hispanic should have already received invitations via email. If you have not received one, please email one of the contacts listed below.
Black/ African American Association:
• Farah Lubin, Ph.D., associate professor in Neurobiology flubin@uab.edu
• Danielle Powell, M.D., associate professor in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation- dkpowell@uab.edu
Hispanic/Latinx Association
• Marcela Frazier, O.D., MSPH, associate professor of Ophthalmology mfrazier@uab.edu
• Fernando Ovalle, M.D., professor of Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes, & Metabolism fovalle@uab.edu
• Sara Pereira, M.D., FACS, associate professor, Cardiovascular/Thoracic Surgery pereiras@uab.edu
While our initial meetings does not include allies, we understand how important the active support of strong allies will be in our success and look forward to working together to build support, establish networks, and move each of us forward. We are excited about the ways these associations can help to improve the experience of current faculty—as well as serve as a resource for recruiting top talent.