Introducing Iman Simmonds, MD, MPH, of the Section of Cardiovascular Medicine.
What does diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you personally?
Feeling comfortable, safe, seen, heard, and respected. Fully able to engage and participate as my authentic self, and to be embraced and not just tolerated.
Why do you value diversity?
If we are talking about gut Biome. forest fauna, or people and society, diversity means versatility, the ability to survive and thrive through unpredictable external pressures of the environment. Nobody goes to a museum to see one kind of art. Different people have different perspectives and limitations and create novel ideas.
Why should an academic setting be equal and inclusive?
You can't really share ideas in controlled, hierarchical, exclusionary environments. They stifle contributions of outsiders and create silos.
What do you look forward to most?
In my prior university, I helped build community with activities, meet-ups, and lecture series. We also pushed for more research projects addressing racial or gender disparities. I try to make the environment better for people who look like me and people who don't.
The Department of Internal Medicine’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Internal Medicine knows that diversity, equity, and inclusion is critical to our mission; that providing a safe, welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds results in beneficial diversity of thought; and believes that having a diverse team enhances our ability to provide excellent clinical care, research, and medical education.