In honor of Pride Month, the Heersink School of Medicine Office for Diversity and Inclusion is sharing the initiatives implemented in the UAB Department of Radiology to create a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ patients, students, and faculty members.

Associate Vice President of UAB’s Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI), Mona Fouad, M.D., answers questions about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Heersink School of Medicine and how her role will advance these values in the future. 

Last week, the Heersink School of Medicine Office for Diversity and Inclusion shined a light on the transformative work being done to support LGBTQ+ faculty members. As we continue celebrating Pride Month, we shift focus to the ways LGBTQ+ students, trainees, and staff are supported at the school.

In planning sessions for the Office for Diversity and Inclusion, discussions to create a faculty association dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community were in progress. During this time, Rodney Tucker, M.D., reached out to the office to inquire about creating an LGBTQ+ Faculty Association. With his leadership, a partnership formed to bring this idea to life.

The Heersink School of Medicine Office for Diversity and Inclusion creates a culture of inclusivity and equity for our students, residents, fellows, faculty, and staff. The foundational values and aspirations that Diversity Month commemorates are visible in the Heersink School of Medicine through diversity and inclusion initiatives, continued learning, and fostering colleagues.

In the final part of Heersink School of Medicine Office for Diversity and Inclusion’s Black History Month series, we’ll take a look at how two general internal medicine doctors improve occupational wellness for future generations of physicians.