We would like to wish a Happy New Year to all members of the Department of Medicine! A new year brings with it renewed energy and hope for the future. We are excited to continue our DEI and health equity related work with everyone in the department, and we encourage you to contact us with ideas and concerns.
In the spirit of DEI, we would like to celebrate events that are significant to members of the department. January features numerous religious festivities, along with other secular events. This month’s religious observances include(d) the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6, Orthodox Christmas on January 7, World Religion Day, celebrated by those who follow Baha’i, on January 15, and Guru Gobind Singh’s birthday on January 20.
Many non-religious events occur in January including New Year’s Day, for countries that follow the Gregorian calendar, on January 1, Orthodox New Year is January 14, Makar Sankranti on January 15, and Lunar New Year on January 22.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day occurs on Monday, January 16. Belonging at Yale and the MLK Jr. Day Committee, along with Yale University, are celebrating Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy. Events are being held on campus and throughout New Haven. Find out more on the Annual Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. website.
If there are questions about any Department of Medicine DEI initiatives, or an issue pertaining to DEI across the department for faculty, trainees, or staff, please contact Vandana. If you are a DEI vice chief and have a question or concern, please contact Aba. For GME-related DEI questions, please contact Steve Huot.
For this month’s “Voices of DEI,” we highlight Jaimie Meyer, MD, MS. When asked about changes she has seen within the department, Meyer noted the more frequent discussions about the social and structural factors that influence health. You can read this column on the website and via social media. If you wish to participate as a featured voice of DEI and we welcome all to do so, please complete the survey at this link.
We are excited to partner with each of you on DEI initiatives.
Best wishes,
Vandana Khungar, MD, MSc (Interim Associate Chair for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)
Vice Chief for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | Digestive Diseases
Associate Professor of Medicine
Aba Black, MD, MHS (Interim Associate Chair for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)
Vice Chief for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | General Internal Medicine
Assistant Professor of Medicine