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INFORMATION FOR

Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

About ODEI

We envision an inclusive community where everyone's voice and contribution are valued and respected. Through specific programs and initiatives, we aim to create a sense of belonging for all.
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Leadership

  • Darin Latimore, MD

    Deputy Dean and Chief Diversity Officer and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine (General Medicine); Title IX Deputy Coordinator, Office of the Dean, School of Medicine; Discrimination and Harassment Coordinator, Office of the President

    Dr. Latimore is Yale School of Medicine’s first deputy dean for diversity and inclusion and its first chief diversity officer. He is devoted to increasing diversity within medical and academic spaces and to improving the climate of Yale School of Medicine’s learning and working environments. He is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive strategic plan for furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at the school, which includes a focus on recruitment and retention of faculty and students from backgrounds that have been historically underrepresented in science and medicine. In his role, he has implemented a comprehensive program to improve faculty diversity and retention that focuses on policies, programs, and building community. He also oversees programs that support the outreach, recruitment, success, and retention of YSM students and postdoctoral fellows. He is co-chair of the YSM Program for Art in Public Spaces, which has commissioned new works of art featuring diverse YSM leaders and has hosted public exhibits that feature artwork by and about members of the YSM community. Dr. Latimore joined Yale in 2017 from the University of California, Davis School of Medicine, where he was associate dean for student and resident diversity. After obtaining his medical degree at University of California, Davis School of Medicine and completing his residency in internal medicine at University of California, Davis Medical Center, he worked as a physician specializing in HIV care with The Permanente Medical Group in South Sacramento, CA where he also trained medical students and residents. His transition to academic medicine began with his appointment as associate program director for the UC Davis internal medicine residency program followed by his appointment as the inaugural director of medical student diversity at UC Davis in 2008.
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  • Karina Gonzalez, PhD

    Associate Dean, Diversity and Inclusion Programs

    Dr. Gonzalez Herrera comes to Yale after most recently operating as Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (EDIB) in the Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) and in the Division of Medical Sciences based at Harvard Medical School. There, she oversaw members of the Griffin GSAS EDIB team and was responsible for working in partnership with faculty, students, and staff to plan and develop strategies to support equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging for graduate programs at Harvard. Dr. Gonzalez Herrera developed and directed the GSAS Life Sciences Summer Institute, a pre-matriculation program with the goal of easing the transition into graduate school for entering PhD students. Dr. Gonzalez Herrera co-directed and helped to expand the Summer Honors Undergraduate Research Program (SHURP), as well as the Research Scholar Initiative (RSI) post-baccalaureate program at Harvard. She serves as an academic advisor to current graduate students, SHURP, and RSI participants. In addition to leading and coordinating recruitment efforts, Dr. Gonzalez Herrera also focused on graduate student support through implementation of DEI workshops for faculty, students, and staff, in partnership with graduate student diversity and inclusion fellows. She has served as an advisor and supported multiple graduate student affinity groups. Dr. Gonzalez Herrera received her PhD in Biological and Biomedical Sciences from Harvard University in 2016, where she was also an active member of the Minority Biomedical Scientists of Harvard student group and participated in the Harvard Latino Leadership Initiative. Prior to her time at Harvard, she completed her Master of Science in Biological Sciences at California State University San Marcos in 2010, and her Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (with a minor in Chemistry) at the same institution in 2008, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. Throughout her academic career, Dr. Gonzalez Herrera has been committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM fields. She has been recognized for her work with several prestigious awards, including a National Institutes of Health Pre-doctoral Fellowship, the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans, the Harvard Medical School Sharon P. Clayborne Staff Diversity Award, and was named as an inspiring Hispanic/Latinx scientist in America in a Cell Mentor article in 2020. She has also served as a mentor and advocate for underrepresented students in science, and has been an active member of several diversity and inclusion committees and organizations. As the Associate Dean for ODEI at Yale School of Medicine, Dr. Gonzalez Herrera will lead the implementation and tracking of outcomes of the student section of the Diversity Strategic plan. She will also work closely with leadership and other stakeholders across the institution to develop and implement strategies to recruit and retain diverse biological and biomedical sciences (BBS) graduate student learners.
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People

Organizations on this page

  • YSM Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

    • Darin Latimore, MD

      Deputy Dean and Chief Diversity Officer and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine (General Medicine); Title IX Deputy Coordinator, Office of the Dean, School of Medicine; Discrimination and Harassment Coordinator, Office of the President

      Dr. Latimore is Yale School of Medicine’s first deputy dean for diversity and inclusion and its first chief diversity officer. He is devoted to increasing diversity within medical and academic spaces and to improving the climate of Yale School of Medicine’s learning and working environments. He is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive strategic plan for furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at the school, which includes a focus on recruitment and retention of faculty and students from backgrounds that have been historically underrepresented in science and medicine. In his role, he has implemented a comprehensive program to improve faculty diversity and retention that focuses on policies, programs, and building community. He also oversees programs that support the outreach, recruitment, success, and retention of YSM students and postdoctoral fellows. He is co-chair of the YSM Program for Art in Public Spaces, which has commissioned new works of art featuring diverse YSM leaders and has hosted public exhibits that feature artwork by and about members of the YSM community. Dr. Latimore joined Yale in 2017 from the University of California, Davis School of Medicine, where he was associate dean for student and resident diversity. After obtaining his medical degree at University of California, Davis School of Medicine and completing his residency in internal medicine at University of California, Davis Medical Center, he worked as a physician specializing in HIV care with The Permanente Medical Group in South Sacramento, CA where he also trained medical students and residents. His transition to academic medicine began with his appointment as associate program director for the UC Davis internal medicine residency program followed by his appointment as the inaugural director of medical student diversity at UC Davis in 2008.
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    • Karina Gonzalez, PhD

      Associate Dean, Diversity and Inclusion Programs

      Dr. Gonzalez Herrera comes to Yale after most recently operating as Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (EDIB) in the Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) and in the Division of Medical Sciences based at Harvard Medical School. There, she oversaw members of the Griffin GSAS EDIB team and was responsible for working in partnership with faculty, students, and staff to plan and develop strategies to support equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging for graduate programs at Harvard. Dr. Gonzalez Herrera developed and directed the GSAS Life Sciences Summer Institute, a pre-matriculation program with the goal of easing the transition into graduate school for entering PhD students. Dr. Gonzalez Herrera co-directed and helped to expand the Summer Honors Undergraduate Research Program (SHURP), as well as the Research Scholar Initiative (RSI) post-baccalaureate program at Harvard. She serves as an academic advisor to current graduate students, SHURP, and RSI participants. In addition to leading and coordinating recruitment efforts, Dr. Gonzalez Herrera also focused on graduate student support through implementation of DEI workshops for faculty, students, and staff, in partnership with graduate student diversity and inclusion fellows. She has served as an advisor and supported multiple graduate student affinity groups. Dr. Gonzalez Herrera received her PhD in Biological and Biomedical Sciences from Harvard University in 2016, where she was also an active member of the Minority Biomedical Scientists of Harvard student group and participated in the Harvard Latino Leadership Initiative. Prior to her time at Harvard, she completed her Master of Science in Biological Sciences at California State University San Marcos in 2010, and her Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (with a minor in Chemistry) at the same institution in 2008, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. Throughout her academic career, Dr. Gonzalez Herrera has been committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM fields. She has been recognized for her work with several prestigious awards, including a National Institutes of Health Pre-doctoral Fellowship, the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans, the Harvard Medical School Sharon P. Clayborne Staff Diversity Award, and was named as an inspiring Hispanic/Latinx scientist in America in a Cell Mentor article in 2020. She has also served as a mentor and advocate for underrepresented students in science, and has been an active member of several diversity and inclusion committees and organizations. As the Associate Dean for ODEI at Yale School of Medicine, Dr. Gonzalez Herrera will lead the implementation and tracking of outcomes of the student section of the Diversity Strategic plan. She will also work closely with leadership and other stakeholders across the institution to develop and implement strategies to recruit and retain diverse biological and biomedical sciences (BBS) graduate student learners.
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    • Nii Addy, PhD

      Albert E. Kent Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Associate Professor of Cellular and Molecular Physiology; Director of Scientist Diversity and Inclusion, YSM Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

      Nii Addy is the Albert E. Kent Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Associate Professor of Cellular and Molecular Physiology and the inaugural Director of Scientist Diversity and Inclusion at Yale School of Medicine. He is also Director of the Faculty Mentoring Program for the Minority Organization for Retention and Expansion (MORE) and co-chair of the Career Development Subcommittee of the Anti-Racism Task Force in the Yale Department of Psychiatry. He contributes to graduate student and postdoctoral training and to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives through his efforts on campus and in scientific societies. He received his B.S. in Biology from Duke University and his Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Yale University. Dr. Addy directs a federally funded research program investigating cholinergic, dopaminergic and L-type calcium channel mechanisms mediating substance use and mood disorders. Dr. Addy’s team also studies the ability of tobacco product flavor additives to alter nicotine use behavior and addiction. He serves on the journal editorial board of Neuropsychopharmacology, Biological Psychiatry, and Neuropharmacology, and he previously served as a grant reviewer for the Neurobiology of Motivated Behavior (NMB) Study Section of the National Institutes of Health's Center for Scientific Review (CSR). In addition to his campus work, Dr. Addy hosts the Addy Hour podcast, discussing topics at the intersection of neuroscience, mental health, faith, culture and social justice. Episodes include dynamic conversations based on the lived experience and professional expertise of his guests - which include community leaders, clinicians and mental health experts, scientists, professional athletes and entertainers, faith leaders, and mental health advocates. As the creator and host of town hall community events, Dr. Addy has also built unique partnerships to encourage and equip audiences to embrace the use of holistic, integrated tools to address mental health challenges. He has collaborated with Lecrae (Grammy Award-winning artist and NY Times Best Seller), Doug Middleton (Jacksonville Jaguars/ Dream the Impossible Initiative), Allan Houston (former NBA All-Star, NY Knicks/ FISLL Project), the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the Veritas Forum, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), the Yale University Chaplain's Office, Yale Well, the Salvation Army, Every Nation Church NYC, the American Bible Society and others. His research and community work have been featured by National Public Radio (NPR), Newsday, the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA), The Source Magazine, Chuck Norris, BoldTV, Legitimate Matters, and Relevant Magazine. He has presented scientific lectures at universities throughout the United States and Europe, and he serves on the Board of Trustees for The Carver Project, aimed at empowering and connecting individuals across university, church and society.
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    • Ishita S. Arora, PhD

      Associate Research Scientist (General Medicine)

      Dr. Ishita Sunita Arora is an Associate Research Scientist at Yale University's Department of Internal Medicine. Dr. Arora is a clinical and community psychologist who has worked with underserved and marginalized populations in the resource-limited settings of South Asia and the United States. Dr. Arora's research focuses on four core areas – (a) advancing health equity and evidence-based policy for women’s and maternal health, (b) promotion of girl empowerment and prevention of gender-based violence, (c) advancing anti-racism, diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice, and (d) equitable access and utilization of mental healthcare among historically minoritized communities. Dr. Arora has expertise in community-engaged participatory research, program development and evaluation, implementation science, and violence prevention and intervention in academic medicine, and community and not-for-profit organizations. Dr. Arora completed her predoctoral fellowship at Yale University’s Department of Psychiatry - The Consultation Center (TCC) and Connecticut Mental Health Center (CMHC). Dr. Arora earned her Ph.D. in Clinical and Community Psychology from the University of Maryland and a Master’s in Liberal Studies and Leadership from Ashoka University, India. In India, she has worked as a therapist for street kids and unhoused families for the not-for-profit organization Salaam Baalak Trust. Dr. Arora’s work is guided by anti-racist, anti-casteist, anti-oppressive, and decolonial praxis.
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    • Daryn David, PhD

      Assistant Professor in the Child Study Center; Director for Leadership Development and Coaching Initiatives, Offices of Academic & Professional Development (OAPD) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI)

      Daryn H. David, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist, educator, and leadership development coach. At the Yale School of Medicine, Daryn is an Assistant Professor at the Child Study Center and serves as Director for Leadership Development and Coaching Initiatives in the Offices of Academic & Professional Development (OAPD) and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (ODEI). Through dynamic pedagogy, leadership development coaching, and innovative programming, Daryn leverages her expertise to help academics and health care providers actualize their fullest professional potential. She further promotes the educational mission of Yale University by coaching high-impact global leaders through the Yale Greenberg World Fellowship. In addition to her work in academia, Daryn maintains a small psychotherapy and coaching practice devoted to supporting women professionals. Daryn holds a Bachelor of Arts (AB) degree in Social Studies from Harvard University and a PhD in psychology from Yale University, where she also completed her predoctoral clinical internship and postdoctoral fellowship. Following her formal academic training, Daryn pursued an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science & Technology Policy fellowship at the National Institutes of Health. Additionally, she completed the Playing Big Facilitators Training with Tara Mohr and the Blue Mesa Transformational Coaching Program and is a certified facilitator of the Zenger Folkman Extraordinary Leader, Advancing the Extraordinary Leader, and Extraordinary Performer workshops.
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    • Aja Diggs

      Sr. Administrative Assistant

      Aja is the Senior Administrative Assistant in the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, Community Engagement and Equity (DICE), where she supports leadership, serves as the primary contact to students and affinity groups, and assists with scheduling, planning, and coordinating various DEI programs, events, and conferences. Aja previously served as a Referral Specialist and Senior Administrative Assistant for the Yale Medicine Administration. She was born and raised in New Haven and graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Anthropology. She's passionate about optimizing health for women and children and will become a certified doula.
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    • Chelsea Gomez

      Program Manager

      Chelsea Gomez (She/Her), MsEd, is a Program Manager at the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Chelsea is a first-generation Dominican-American from Queens, New York. She received her BA in Psychology from St. John's University and MS Ed from Long Island University. Prior to joining the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Chelsea was the Residency Program Coordinator for the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences here at Yale.
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    • Giovanna Guerrero-Medina, PhD

      Director of Yale Ciencia Program; Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Wu Tsai Institute

      Dr. Giovanna Guerrero-Medina is Director of the Yale Ciencia Initiative in the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion of Yale School of Medicine, and Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion of Yale’s Wu Tsai Institute. Through these positions, Dr. Guerrero-Medina leads programs that broaden participation and increase inclusion and retention in STEM training pathways and careers. Programs such as Yale PATHS, the Yale Ciencia Academy, and Intersections Science Fellows Symposium empower scientists from historically excluded backgrounds and level the playing field. Until 2024, Dr. Guerrero-Medina was the first Executive Director of Ciencia Puerto Rico. Under her leadership, CienciaPR became one of the largest networked communities of Hispanic scientists in the world and was recognized for their work promoting justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the areas of science communication, education, and careers by the Union of Concerned Scientists, the AAAS-Caribbean Division, and the White House. She is co-author of two National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine reports to promote advancement, diversity and inclusion in the STEMM workforce and her expertise has been sought by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, multiple NIH and NSF peer review panels, and several nonprofit and scientific Advisory Boards. Dr. Guerrero-Medina’s work is funded by grants from the NIH and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, among others. Originally from Puerto Rico, Dr. Guerrero-Medina has a Bachelors in Science from the University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras and a PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of California, Berkeley, followed by a science policy fellowship with the National Academies and science policy work at the NIH and the Van Andel Institute. Hear how to pronounce my name.
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    • Linda Jackson

      Sr. Associate Director, YSM Diversity Office; Director of Educational Outreach Programs

      Linda V Jackson, Director of the Yale School of Medicine Office of Diversity, Inclusion, Community Engagement, and Equity (DICE), received her Bachelors of Science in Human Services from Springfield College and Masters of Science in Counseling from Southern Connecticut State University. Linda is an active member of the National Association of Medical Minority Educators, Inc. (NAMME), where she currently hold the position of regional director and the National Association of Advisors of the Health Professions, Inc. (NAAHP).  Linda manages various programs from elementary school through medical school for underrepresented students and those from disadvantaged back groups interested in or pursing a career in the field of medical or biomedical research. She is involved in the recruitment and retention of students from disadvantages background for the School of Medicine and supports student affinity groups.   “I love working directly with students – watching them flourish from undergraduates to medical students to doctors is a great joy for me. I can say that I am friends with some of the smartest people in the medical field.” Linda has been a licensed foster parent for over 20 years and enjoys mentoring teen aged girls. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends and traveling to the Caribbean Islands.
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    • Zoe Keller

      Communications Officer, Diversity & Inclusion

      Zoe Keller leads communications for Yale School of Medicine's Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (ODEI). She is responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing a dynamic communications strategy in support of ODEI as it seeks to build and sustain a diverse community. She also supports other YSM organizations in their DEI efforts, including building and improving inclusion and equity for women and others underrepresented in medicine and science, and addressing systemic barriers to health care that affect the most vulnerable.Zoe has served Yale in communications roles since 2008, including as communications director at the Yale Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning, and at the Yale University Office of Public Affairs & Communications, where she managed Yale’s top social media accounts and created communications around the organization’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She earned the Linda Lorimer Award for Distinguished Service in 2020.Zoe earned a BA from Smith College and an MS in public relations from Quinnipiac University. Her volunteer leadership includes serving on the Board of New Haven’s Edgerton Park, developing a new community garden, and in tackling healthcare equity issues through Yale’s LGBTQ staff affinity group. She grew up in Alaska and has lived in New England her entire adult life.
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    • Carolina L Machado

      Manager, Education and Outreach Programs

      Carolina Machado is the Program Manager for the Yale Ciencia Initiative and a Boston University Manufacturing Engineer by training. With three years of experience working with Giovanna Guerrero-Medina, her role encompasses Communication, Program Support, Logistics, and Optimization of systems and processes. Carolina facilitates communication between the team, program participants, and collaborators, ensuring everyone is well-informed about all steps of the program, fostering a supportive environment. She prepares and distributes program materials annually and assists with social media and blog posts on various websites. She provides logistical support for virtual and in-person meetings, including event planning, arranging venues, transportation, catering, and overall setup of sessions and workshops. Carolina has also implemented automated workflows to streamline the application, review process, and attendance tracking, delivering concise data summary reports. She has spearheaded the inclusion of AI tools in all appropriate processes which has allowed for real time analysis and improvement. Before joining Yale, Carolina spent 17 years in the education sector as a teacher and school manager. As an immigrant from Venezuela and a mother of four, she understands the challenges of integrating into a new society while being true to your cultural identity. This drives her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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    • Eduardo Reyes

      Senior Administrative Assistant, YSM Diversity

      Eduardo has experience working as a Medical Interpreter and Translator and as a volunteer at Yale New Haven Hospital. As a Health Navigation, Eduardo works collaboratively with team members to assess health needs, connect people with care and services, provide education, and use his translation skills. He has a passion for learn new things and his goals are to promote healthy lifestyles and the early detection of cancer to improve lives in our community.
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    • Faye Rogers, PhD

      Associate Professor of Therapeutic Radiology; Associate Cancer Center Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Vice Chair for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Therapeutic Radiology; Associate Director, Yale MD-PhD Program; Director, Yale BioMed Amgen Scholars Program

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    • Marietta Vazquez, MD, FAAP

      Professor of Pediatrics (General Pediatrics); Affiliated Faculty, Yale Institute for Global Health; Pediatric Global Health Track Director; Associate Dean for Medical Student Diversity, Medical Education

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  • Title IX Coordinators

    • Darin Latimore, MD

      Deputy School of Medicine Title IX Coordinator

      Deputy Dean and Chief Diversity Officer and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine (General Medicine); Title IX Deputy Coordinator, Office of the Dean, School of Medicine; Discrimination and Harassment Coordinator, Office of the President

      Dr. Latimore is Yale School of Medicine’s first deputy dean for diversity and inclusion and its first chief diversity officer. He is devoted to increasing diversity within medical and academic spaces and to improving the climate of Yale School of Medicine’s learning and working environments. He is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive strategic plan for furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at the school, which includes a focus on recruitment and retention of faculty and students from backgrounds that have been historically underrepresented in science and medicine. In his role, he has implemented a comprehensive program to improve faculty diversity and retention that focuses on policies, programs, and building community. He also oversees programs that support the outreach, recruitment, success, and retention of YSM students and postdoctoral fellows. He is co-chair of the YSM Program for Art in Public Spaces, which has commissioned new works of art featuring diverse YSM leaders and has hosted public exhibits that feature artwork by and about members of the YSM community. Dr. Latimore joined Yale in 2017 from the University of California, Davis School of Medicine, where he was associate dean for student and resident diversity. After obtaining his medical degree at University of California, Davis School of Medicine and completing his residency in internal medicine at University of California, Davis Medical Center, he worked as a physician specializing in HIV care with The Permanente Medical Group in South Sacramento, CA where he also trained medical students and residents. His transition to academic medicine began with his appointment as associate program director for the UC Davis internal medicine residency program followed by his appointment as the inaugural director of medical student diversity at UC Davis in 2008.
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    • Rosemarie Fisher, MD

      Deputy School of Medicine Title IX Coordinator

      Professor Emeritus of Medicine (Digestive Diseases); Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Office of the Provost; Emeritus Director of Resident/Fellow Well-being, Graduate Medical Education

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    • Megan C. King, PhD

      Deputy School of Medicine Title IX Coordinator

      Associate Professor of Cell Biology and of Molecular, Cellular and Development Biology; Co-Leader, Radiobiology and Genome Integrity, Yale Cancer Center; Associate Cancer Center Director, Basic Science

      Megan received her B.A. in Biochemistry from Brandeis University working with Dr. Susan Lowey and her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics from the University of Pennsylvania working with Dr. Mark Lemmon. During her postdoctoral training with Dr. Günter Blobel at Rockefeller University, she discovered new mechanisms for the targeting and function of integral inner nuclear membrane proteins. Since founding her own group in 2009, Megan has continued to investigate the broad array of biological functions that are integrated at the nuclear envelope, from impacts on DNA repair to nuclear and cellular mechanics. Megan was named a Searle Scholar in 2011, is a recipient of the NIH New Innovator Award and is currently an Allen Distinguished Investigator.
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  • Dept Diversity Vice Chairs & Champions

    • Claudio R. Alarcón, PhD

      Associate Professor in Pharmacology

      Our lab uses multidisciplinary approaches to understand the impact of RNA metabolism in development, health and disease. We are primarily focused in identifying the physiological and pathophysiological roles of RNA modifications and non-coding RNAs at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels. Claudio, a native of Chile, obtained his Ph.D. from Cornell University in NYC. He was a postdoctoral fellow at the Rockefeller University before joining Yale University in 2017.
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    • Juan Bartolomei, MD

      Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery; Vice Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Neurosurgery; Clinician; Yale Neurosurgery, Lawrence + Memorial Hospital - New London

      Interests include minimally invasive spine procedures with one day surgery specialty
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    • Julien Berro, PhD

      Associate Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, and of Cell Biology

      Julien Berro was initially trained in Applied Mathematics, Physics and Computer Sciences at the Institut National Polytechnique of Grenoble, France. He obtained his Ph.D. in Mathematical Modeling in Biology at Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, France, where he worked with Jean-Louis Martiel and Laurent Blanchoin on mathematical models for actin filament biochemistry and mechanics. After a brief tenure as an assistant professor in the department of Mathematics at Université Claude Bernard, Lyon, France, he decided to further his training by learning cell biology and quantitative microscopy in the laboratory of Tom Pollard at Yale University. Since he started his own laboratory in 2013, he has combined experimental, computational, and theoretical approaches to uncover the mechanisms of molecular machineries that produce forces in the cell, with a particular focus on the actin cytoskeleton and endocytosis.
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    • Joerg Bewersdorf, PhD

      Harvey and Kate Cushing Professor of Cell Biology, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Professor of Physics; Vice Chair for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Cell Biology

      Joerg Bewersdorf is the Harvey and Kate Cushing Professor of Cell Biology and Professor of Biomedical Engineering and of Physics at Yale University. He received his Master's degree (Dipl. Phys., 1998) and his doctoral degree in physics (Dr. rer. nat., 2002) from the University of Heidelberg training with Dr. Stefan W. Hell at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Goettingen, Germany. Since 2009, after 4 years at The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine, he has been leading a research group at Yale University focusing on the development of new light microscopy techniques and their application to biomedical research. An optical physicist/biophysicist by training, Dr. Bewersdorf has been a long-time contributor to the field of super-resolution light microscopy development and the application of these techniques to cell biological questions.
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    • Jessica Bod, MD

      Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine

      Dr. Bod is the Director of Medical Student Education and the Director of the Emergency Medicine Clerkship and Sub-internship.
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    • Diane Bruessow, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA

      Assistant Professor Adjunct of Medicine (Physician Assistant Online Program); Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, PA Online Program

      Diane Bruessow divides her time between academia, clinical practice, and service. She has graduate and post-graduate teaching experience, over 30 years of clinical practice experience, and extensive leadership experience in mid-size non-profit corporations within the healthcare sector with annual operating budgets of $25m+. She is experienced in best practices of governance and oversight, and moving culture toward inclusion and belonging by reducing systemic bias. Bruessow has received honors, awards, and legislative proclamations for academic, clinical, humanitarian, and leadership excellence - including the New York State Society of PAs as the PA of the Year (2019), New Jersey State Society of PAs as the outstanding Humanitarian of the Year (2017), as well as the designation of Distinguished Fellow, a recognition of exceptional professional achievement, leadership, professional interaction, learning, and community service by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA). Less than two percent of PAs earn this designation. She is nationally certified by the NCCPA with excellence awarded in Primary Care (reflecting scores within the top 5th percentile). Her professional interests include healthcare disparities, workforce, policy, and leadership. Bruessow has been an invited speaker and has authored original research and other published articles and medical textbook chapters. She has held elected and appointed positions on multiple national boards, councils, and commissions. She formerly served as a board officer for GLMA (formerly the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association) and is a past president of the LBGT PA Caucus. In 2020, after serving in the roles of Director at Large and Secretary-Treasurer, she was elected President-elect of the American Academy of PAs. She has served on the editorial advisory board of the Transgender Health Journal since its inception and is serving a 3-year term on the board of directors of the US Professional Association for Transgender Health (USPATH). Bruessow graduated from the LIU Brooklyn PA program in 1993. In 2023, she was inducted into Pi Alpha, the national PA honor society, as a distinguished alumnus. She has been practicing clinically for over 30 years and has over 20 years of experience in transgender medicine across the lifespan. She is licensed to practice autonomously in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts and independently in Wyoming. Bruessow joined the Yale University PA Online Program in 2018 and gave the keynote address for the inaugural class White Coat ceremony. She currently serves as the director of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion and an assistant professor adjunct in the Department of General Internal Medicine. She regularly participates in committees at the program and institutional levels, including academic affairs and the YSM Diversity Champions Advisory Council. She previously served on the PA Online program mission committee and the joint diversity, equity, and inclusion mission committee. She has served as a core member of the YSM Dean's Advisory Council (DAC) on LGBTQI+ Affairs and has chaired the DAC's LGBT health policy working group. Her faculty responsibilities include serving as course director of Preparing Future PAs 1, co-course director for Clinical Medicine and Capstone, an academic advisor, and facilitator for Problem-Based Learning 1-3, which includes small group work 3 days each week. She has been a lecturer in pulmonary, musculoskeletal, psychiatry, geriatric, and sexual history, taking lectures within Patient Assessments 1 and 2. She developed a virtual clinical elective in Sexual and Gender Minority Health that launched in 2020 and ran for 3 years during COVID. During the program's intensive residencies, Bruessow also teaches hands-on skill development in patient assessment and clinical procedures. She developed standardized patient case scenarios involving transgender patients which was implemented in 2021, and supported the development of a Virtual Inter-Professional Education (VIPE) scenario that included a transgender patient.
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    • Paris Butler, MD, MPH, FACS

      Associate Professor of Surgery ( Plastic), Vice Chair of Education and Inclusive Excellence; Vice Chair Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Surgery

      Dr. Paris D. Butler is an Associate Professor in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the Yale University School of Medicine. He is also the inaugural Yale Department of Surgery Vice Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).  After completing his undergraduate education as a student athlete (basketball) at Roanoke College, he attended medical school at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. He completed a general surgery residency at the University of Virginia and subsequently completed his plastic surgery training at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). He is board certified by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).  Dr. Butler has clinical interests in breast reconstruction, breast reductions, breast lifts, post bariatric body contouring, scar/wound management, breast implant removal, and aesthetic surgery (abdominoplasty, breast augmentation, liposuction, etc.).  During his general surgery training, he completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at Stanford University where he studied keloid biology. Additionally, he obtained a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from Univ. of California-Berkeley in health policy and management with special certificate in minority health. Dr. Butler is nationally recognized for his dedication to reducing healthcare disparities along ethnic lines – something he has approached with research, policy, and teaching in mind. Prior to being recruited to Yale, Dr. Butler served for 6 years on the faculty as an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania.  In addition to his clinical appointment,  he also served as the Associate Designated Institutional Official (DIO) of Underrepresented in Medicine (UIM) Affairs in UPenn’s Graduate Medical Education office. He has received numerous teaching awards in addition to recognition for his work with mentoring residents, medical, undergraduate, and high school students aspiring to enter the field. Dr. Butler has authored over 75 publications in peer-reviewed journals and the lay press. He serves on the American College of Surgeons’ (ACS) Committee on Healthcare Disparities, Society of Black Academic Surgeons’ (SBAS) Membership, Financial, and Health Equity Committees, the American Board of Surgery’s (ABS) Governance Committee, the Association of Academic Surgeons’ (AAS) Diversity Committee, the American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons’ (ACAPS) DEI Committee, and is Chair of the American Society of Plastic Surgery’s (ASPS) Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
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    • Michael Caplan, PhD, MD

      C. N. H. Long Professor of Cellular And Molecular Physiology and Professor of Cell Biology; Chair, Cellular and Molecular Physiology

      Michael J. Caplan received his bachelors degree from Harvard University and his M.D. and Ph.D. degrees from Yale University in 1987. He joined Yale's Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology as a faculty member in 1988, and is currently the C.N.H. Long Professor of Cellular and Molecular Physiology and Cell Biology. He has received fellowships from the Helen Hay Whitney Foundation, the David and Lucille Packard Foundation for Science and Engineering, and a National Young Investigator Award from the National Science Foundation. He has also received the Young Investigator Awards from the American Physiological Society and the American Society of Nephrologists. His work focuses on understanding the ways in which kidney cells organize and maintain their unique structures. His laboratory also studies the mechanisms responsible for Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease, and is working to identify targets for new therapies.
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    • Tara Sanabria Davila, LCSW

      Assistant Clinical Professor of Social Work; Vice Chair for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Child Study Center; Associate Director of Youth Services, Child Study Center

      Tara Sanabria Davila is a Puerto Rican, bilingual (Spanish), multiracial clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience providing identity- tailored care to Connecticut’s historically underserved youth and families. Tara earned her BA n Psychology from The University of Massachusetts at Amherst, her MSW at Boston College Graduate School of Social Work, and a Certificate in Advanced Clinical Supervision from the Graduate School of Social Work at Smith College. Tara’s clinical expertise is in supporting youth and family who have been impacted by trauma via her training and expertise with evidence-based practices. She is a Nationally Certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), trained in Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP),and is a state trainer for the Modular Approach to Therapy for Children with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and Conduct Problems (MATCH-ADTC). Tara is also skilled in treating depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts and behavior and in supporting diverse families in tapping into their strengths to support their child(ren). As Associate Director of Youth Clinical Services, Tara supports the operation of the office- cased clinical services through administrative tasks and as a clinical supervisor and mentor. Tara has a passion to help support others to develop in their ability to understand and mitigate the impact of structural and interpersonal racism and discrimination on one's mental health. She mentors and teaches and supervises using a culturally humble lens. Through her role as the inaugural Vice Chair for Diversity of Equity and Inclusion at the Child Study Center, works to enhance the Child Study Center’s commitment to equity and inclusion to support a diverse department. She also works to support and disseminate best practices to address and mitigate the impact of racism and other forms of discrimination on people with identities that have been historically marginalized. Tara is an avid reader, enjoys cooking cultural dishes, baking and spending time with her husband, their children and dog. She also derives great joy from supporting the development of Latine leaders and philanthropy as Co- Chair of the Progreso Latino Fund.
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    • Mayur M. Desai, PhD, MPH, FACE

      Professor of Epidemiology (Chronic Diseases) and Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging; Director, Advanced Professional MPH Program; Track Director, Applied Analytic Methods and Epidemiology, Executive MPH; Affiliated Faculty, Yale Institute for Global Health; Core Faculty, National Clinician Scholars Program

      Mayur M. Desai, PhD, MPH, is a Professor of Epidemiology and the inaugural Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) at the Yale School of Public Health. Professor Desai received both his MPH in health policy and his PhD in epidemiology from Yale. He then served for two years as an Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Officer at CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, before returning to New Haven to join the Yale faculty. Professor Desai’s expertise is in the application of epidemiologic methods to clinical and health services research. The overarching goal of his work – across various content areas – is to improve health equity in access, quality, and outcomes of care in a broad range of populations and settings. Professor Desai has extensive experience (1) conducting studies at the interface of mental health and primary care; (2) developing risk-adjusted quality-of-care measures for the Medicare program; (3) determining the incidence, trends, and outcomes of surgical procedures; (4) examining the health, health beliefs, and healthcare utilization of marginalized and stigmatized populations, including immigrants, refugees, and incarcerated individuals; (5) contributing to numerous projects in low- and middle-income settings on a range of topics, including child health, prisoner health, diagnosis and treatment of both non-communicable and infectious diseases, and health systems strengthening; and (6) examining DEIB-related issues in the biomedical workforce. Professor Desai directs the accelerated, 11-month Advanced Professional MPH Program and is a core faculty member in Yale’s National Clinician Scholars Program and Global Health Leadership Initiative. He has a long and sustained history of global public health capacity-strengthening, having developed and taught innovative short courses and workshops on a range of topics – including epidemiology, biostatistics, monitoring and evaluation, strategic problem solving, and research mentorship and leadership – in over a dozen countries. He received the 2022 Drs. Anvar and Pari Velji Global Health Award for Teaching Excellence from the international Consortium of Universities for Global Health and is a 4-time recipient of YSPH’s Distinguished Teaching Award.
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    • Vicente Diaz, MD, MBA

      Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Science; Chief of Ophthalmology, Yale Health, Yale Health; Chief of Ophthalmology, Bridgeport Hospital, Ophthalmology & Visual Science, YNHH/BH

      Dr. Vicente Diaz specializes in ocular inflammatory and infectious diseases. Dr. Diaz’ practice also includes Comprehensive Ophthalmology, treating ailments such as Dry Eye Syndrome, Glaucoma, and Cataracts.  His research interests include novel immunomodulatory therapies for the treatment of non-infectious inflammatory disease, management of Stevens Johnson’s Syndrome, a potentially lethal autoimmune disease, and innovative therapies in glaucoma.Dr. Diaz is Chief of Ophthalmology at the Yale Health Plan, addressing the eye needs of the Yale faculty, students, employees, and their families.  He is the Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science at Yale University.  Dr. Diaz is also Director of Ophthalmology for the Bridgeport Hospital Burn Unit, where he oversees the care of all patients with Stevens Johnson's Syndrome in the state of Connecticut.Dr. Diaz was voted among the top eye doctors in Fairfield County in the Fairfield Advocate’s 2012 and 2013 reader’s polls. After graduating from Ophthalmology residency at Yale University, he completed a fellowship in Ocular Immunology & Infectious Disease at The New York Eye & Ear Infirmary where he was recently on the clinical and research faculty. He is currently a co-investigator on several FDA clinical trials of novel immunomodulatory therapies for inflammatory diseases, sponsored by companies such as Abott, Novartis, and Lux Biosciences. Dr. Diaz is also active in the surrounding community, with a presence that has grown consistently throughout his tenure in the Tri-State, including an appointment as keynote speaker at the 2011 Puerto Rican Festival in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Dr. Diaz founded the La Unidad Latina Medical Guild and was the architect of their annual medical mission to the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Honduras where he performs surgery, teaches medical residents, and cares for patients in need; the team created by Dr. Diaz sees between 3,000 – 5,000 patients abroad annually. Dr. Diaz received his BA from Brown University, his MD from Yale School of Medicine, and his MBA at Yale School of Management.
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    • Harris E. Foster Jr, MD

      Professor of Urology

      Clinical Interests: Female urology, urodynamics, neurogenic bladder, male and female urinary incontinence, interstitial cystitis; voiding dysfunction; benign prostatic hyperplasia, erectile dysfunction, urologic cancers.Dr. Harris E. Foster Jr. is board certified in urology and has specialized interests in voiding dysfunction and female urology. Particular to this area include treatment of female and male urinary incontinence, neurogenic bladder, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), interstitial cystitis, urethral diverticula and vesicovaginal fisulae. In addition, Dr. Foster treats general urological conditions such as kidney stones, erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer, superficial bladder cancer, and benign conditions involving the scrotum (hydrocele, epididymal cyst). He also performs circumcision and vasectomy in patients who desire these procedures. Dr. Foster has expertise in the evaluation of voiding dysfunction utilizing urodynamics.Dr. Foster earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He then graduated with honors from University of Miami School of Medicine, a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. Dr. Foster subsequently completed his urology residency at the University of Michigan Hospitals and joined the faculty at Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Foster is Chief of Urology for the Veteran’s Administration Connecticut Healthcare System and is a urology consultant at the Gaylord Rehabilitation Hospital in Wallingford, Conn. and The Hospital for Special Care in New Britain, Connecticut. He also provides urological care at the Yale Health Services. Dr. Foster has received grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to perform clinical trials investigating the pharmacologic and phytotherapeutic treatment of BPH. He was also the chairman for many years of the NIH sponsored Interstitial Cystitis Collaborative Research Network. Dr. Foster was a member of the American Board of Urology Examination Committee and has functioned as an oral board examiner for this organization. He has written numerous research publications and textbook chapters and is a reviewer for many of the major urology journals including The Journal of Urology, Urology, and Neurourology and Urodynamics. Finally, Dr. Foster has been a member of the guidelines committee for the evaluation and treatment of BPH and overactive bladder (OAB) sponsored by the American Urological Association.Dr. Foster is dedicated to treating patients suffering from urological diseases with a particular focus on those who have voiding dysfunction. He recognizes that although most of these disorders do not affect duration of life, they can in many instances have significant if not devastating effects on quality of life. Despite being a urological surgeon, he fully understands that surgery is not frequently indicated nor is it always the best option for many patients.
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    • Wendy V. Gilbert, PhD

      Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry

      Wendy Gilbert is a Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry. Her work focuses on regulatory elements in messenger RNA that control the cellular expression of the information stored in the genetic code. She earned her PhD at UCSF with Christine Guthrie, studying mRNA export and being fascinated by the exquisite mechanisms that couple export-competence to completion of RNA processing. As a postdoc in Jennifer Doudna’s lab at UC Berkeley, she uncovered a non-canonical mechanism of translation initiation. Her lab’s current work ranges widely across RNA biology with the unifying theme of elucidating the molecular mechanisms of RNA regulatory elements controlling mRNA biogenesis, translation and decay. Most recently, this has been in the area of RNA base modification. Notable awards include the RNA Society’s Early Career Award (2017) for her “paradigm-altering contributions to the field of post-transcriptional gene regulation” and the RNA Society Award for Excellence in Inclusive Leadership (2023) for her efforts to promote the training and professional development of underrepresented scientists.
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    • Rosana Gonzalez-Colaso, PharmD, MPH

      Assistant Professor in the Physician Associate Program, Department of Medicine; Faculty Director, Research Education, General Internal Medicine; Associate Director, Pozen-Commonwealth Fund Fellowship in Health Equity Leadership, Yale School of Management; Affiliated Faculty, Yale Institute for Global Health; Faculty Director, Workforce Development and Diversity, Equity Research and Innovation Center (ERIC), General Internal Medicine

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    • Giovanna Guerrero-Medina, PhD

      Director of Yale Ciencia Program; Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Wu Tsai Institute

      Dr. Giovanna Guerrero-Medina is Director of the Yale Ciencia Initiative in the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion of Yale School of Medicine, and Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion of Yale’s Wu Tsai Institute. Through these positions, Dr. Guerrero-Medina leads programs that broaden participation and increase inclusion and retention in STEM training pathways and careers. Programs such as Yale PATHS, the Yale Ciencia Academy, and Intersections Science Fellows Symposium empower scientists from historically excluded backgrounds and level the playing field. Until 2024, Dr. Guerrero-Medina was the first Executive Director of Ciencia Puerto Rico. Under her leadership, CienciaPR became one of the largest networked communities of Hispanic scientists in the world and was recognized for their work promoting justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the areas of science communication, education, and careers by the Union of Concerned Scientists, the AAAS-Caribbean Division, and the White House. She is co-author of two National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine reports to promote advancement, diversity and inclusion in the STEMM workforce and her expertise has been sought by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, multiple NIH and NSF peer review panels, and several nonprofit and scientific Advisory Boards. Dr. Guerrero-Medina’s work is funded by grants from the NIH and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, among others. Originally from Puerto Rico, Dr. Guerrero-Medina has a Bachelors in Science from the University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras and a PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of California, Berkeley, followed by a science policy fellowship with the National Academies and science policy work at the NIH and the Van Andel Institute. Hear how to pronounce my name.
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    • Shaili Gupta, MBBS

      Associate Professor of Medicine (General Medicine); Associate Program Director, Internal Medicine Residency Program, Department of Medicine; Vice-Chair of DEI at VACHS, Veterans Affairs Healthcare System of CT; Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity, GME, VA, VA Connecticut Healthcare System

      Dr Gupta is a clinician-educator with expertise in clinical virology, and diversity, equity and inclusion in healthcare education. Her primary interests are in clinical research, medical education, and enhancement of equity for learners, faculty, as well as patients. She is an Associate Program Director for Yale Internal Medicine residency program, and Vice-Chair and Director of DEI at VA Connecticut. She is faculty leader for the Race, Bias and Advocacy in Medicine, a Distinction Pathway track in Internal Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Gupta has been serving as research supervisor, thesis advisor and mentor to students, residents, fellows and faculty for more than a decade, and is passionate about career development for her mentees. She completed her fellowship training at Yale in 2008, and currently divides her time between providing patient care for veterans admitted to the VA hospital, education for trainees, administrative efforts for DEI enhancement, and clinical research.
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    • Paula Kavathas, PhD

      Professor of Laboratory Medicine, of Immunobiology and of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology; Vice Chair for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Laboratory Medicine; Vice Chair of Diversity, Immunobiology; Institutional Leader, CIRTL Network, CIRTL Network

      Dr. Kavathas studies the T cell co-receptor CD8ab and the  functional significance of four isoforms of the human CD8b protein that exist in humans and great apes but not mice. More recently she is studying the basis for acquired resistance to immunotherapy of human lung cancer tumors.Dr. Kavathas is currently Vice Chair of Diversity for both the Departments of Immunobiology and of Laboratory Medicine.  She is on the board of Status of Women in Medicine, SWIM, and of the Women’s Faculty Forum, WFF,  (Chair from 2013-2017). She played a role in diversifying portraits at Yale including commissioning a portrait of the first women PhDs located in the nave of Sterling library.  Other activities include  co-organizing a conference entitled “Gender Rules,” publication of The View (a demographic analysis of women and URMs at Yale), expansion of the Phyllis Bodel Childcare Center, and changes in parental leave policies.
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    • Vandana Khungar, MD, MSc

      Associate Professor of Medicine; Vice-Chief for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Section of Digestive Diseases; Associate Medical Director of Liver Transplant, Transplantation Center; Medical Director of Outpatient and Outreach Transplant Hepatology, Transplantation Center

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    • Darin Latimore, MD

      Deputy Dean and Chief Diversity Officer and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine (General Medicine); Title IX Deputy Coordinator, Office of the Dean, School of Medicine; Discrimination and Harassment Coordinator, Office of the President

      Dr. Latimore is Yale School of Medicine’s first deputy dean for diversity and inclusion and its first chief diversity officer. He is devoted to increasing diversity within medical and academic spaces and to improving the climate of Yale School of Medicine’s learning and working environments. He is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive strategic plan for furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at the school, which includes a focus on recruitment and retention of faculty and students from backgrounds that have been historically underrepresented in science and medicine. In his role, he has implemented a comprehensive program to improve faculty diversity and retention that focuses on policies, programs, and building community. He also oversees programs that support the outreach, recruitment, success, and retention of YSM students and postdoctoral fellows. He is co-chair of the YSM Program for Art in Public Spaces, which has commissioned new works of art featuring diverse YSM leaders and has hosted public exhibits that feature artwork by and about members of the YSM community. Dr. Latimore joined Yale in 2017 from the University of California, Davis School of Medicine, where he was associate dean for student and resident diversity. After obtaining his medical degree at University of California, Davis School of Medicine and completing his residency in internal medicine at University of California, Davis Medical Center, he worked as a physician specializing in HIV care with The Permanente Medical Group in South Sacramento, CA where he also trained medical students and residents. His transition to academic medicine began with his appointment as associate program director for the UC Davis internal medicine residency program followed by his appointment as the inaugural director of medical student diversity at UC Davis in 2008.
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    • Ifat Levy, PhD

      Elizabeth Mears and House Jameson Professor of Comparative Medicine and Vice Chair for Diversity, Inclusion and Equity; Co-director, Science Fellows Program

      I am interested in the neural mechanisms underlying decision-making in humans, in individual differences in these mechanisms, and in the possible contribution of decision traits to pathological behavior. Our research focuses on decision-making under uncertainty, and on value learning and encoding. To study these topics we combine behavioral economics methods with functional MRI, as well as eye tracking and physiological measurements.
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    • Benjamin Mba, MBBS

      Professor of Medicine (General Medicine); Vice Chair, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Department of Internal Medicine; Graduate Medical Education Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion & Associate Designated Institutional Official, Yale New Haven Hospital & Yale School of Medicine

      Benjamin Mba, MBBS, MRCP (UK), CHCQM, FACP, professor of medicine (general medicine), is the vice chair of diversity, equity, and inclusion for Yale School of Medicine’s Department of Internal Medicine, the graduate medical education (GME) director for diversity, equity, and inclusion and associate designated institutional official for Yale New Haven Hospital and Yale School of Medicine (YSM). Dr. Mba, a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, joined the YSM and YNHH on July 1, 2023, bringing a deep commitment to these principles. Since joining Yale, Dr. Mba has instituted new educational, recruiting, and training opportunities and resources and administered the first department-wide inclusion climate survey. Dr. Mba leads all YSM and YNHH GME outreach and recruitment efforts, driving the diversification of Yale's healthcare workforce and developing strategies for the Department of Medicine to recruit, retain, support, and ensure mentorship and sponsorship equity for under-represented in medicine (URiM) faculty. Dr. Mba and his team created the DEI productivity calculator, an online tool for faculty that captures all DEI efforts and generates a DEI activity impact score that can enhance academic promotion evaluations at academic medical centers. He is calibrating the score as part of a nationwide study. Before joining Yale, Mba was the associate chair of medicine for faculty development for the Department of Medicine, Cook County Health, and a professor of medicine at RUSH Medical College in Chicago. He worked at Cook County Health for 24 years. Dr. Mba’s career has been marked by a broad focus, spanning clinical education, diversity, equity, and inclusion advocacy in graduate medical education, residency program leadership, faculty development, quality improvement, and patient safety. Dr. Mba received several accolades from Cook County Health (CCH) and RUSH Medical College for his clinician-educator and mentor roles. Dr. Mba is a four-time recipient of the Sir William Osler Award for teaching of internal medicine from the Department of Medicine at Cook County Health (CCH), a four-time recipient of the CCH Division of Hospital Medicine’s Cooker Award for inpatient medicine teaching and team leadership, and a four-time recipient of the CCH Department of Medicine Excellence in Medical Student Education Award, a two-time recipient of the Clinical Skills and Scholarship Award as a medicine resident. Dr. Mba was recognized as an exemplary teaching attending physician in a national research study by the University of Michigan. This exploratory qualitative study identified and studied 12 exemplary teaching physicians nationwide. The findings were published in a book titled Teaching Inpatient Medicine by the Oxford University Press and in several peer-reviewed journals, including the American Journal of Medicine and the Journal of Hospital Medicine. Dr. Mba has given talks and presented workshops on clinical reasoning at regional and national meetings of the Society of Hospital Medicine and the American College of Physicians. He has been an invited speaker to deliver grand rounds and faculty development workshops at various teaching institutions nationwide. Dr. Mba has been a blinded discussant on Clinical Care Conundrums published in the Journal of Hospital Medicine. He was invited by the American College of Physicians (ACP) to give a national webinar on “Resident Well-being during the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Dr. Mba received a National ACP Certificate of Appreciation for National Mentoring Month. In 2023, the Cook County Health Department of Medicine created the Dr. Benjamin I. Mba Award for Teaching Internal Medicine to honor his dedication and excellence in clinical teaching. Dr. Mba graduated from the College of Medicine of the University of Lagos, Nigeria. He completed internal medicine residency training in the United Kingdom, obtaining the designation (MRCP (UK) via examination. He completed a second IM residency program and served as Chief Medicine Resident at the Cook County Hospital. Dr. Mba practices as a hospitalist (inpatient medicine) at YNHH.
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    • Reshma Narula, MD

      Associate Professor Term; Director, Vascular Neurology Fellowship Program, Stroke; Departmental Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Neurology

      Dr. Reshma Narula is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology and the Program Director for the Yale Neurovascular Fellowship Program.  She specializes in the care of patients with cerebrovascular disease.  She is a graduate of New York University and New York Medical College.  She completed both her residency training in Neurology and fellowship in Vascular Neurology at Yale New Haven Hospital.Dr. Narula has a particular interest in evaluating patients with cryptogenic strokes –or strokes of unknown etiology- and currently serves as the site primary investigator for ARCADIA a – NIH StrokeNet trial. During her residency training at Yale she completed a specialized training curriculum in education and continues to be interested in the development of medical education.  She is also an elected member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society and strongly promotes patient centered care.
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    • Juan Carlos Perez Lozada, MD

      Associate Professor of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging; Vice Chair for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Radiology & Biomedical Imaging; Medical Director of Vascular and Interventional Radiology at Park Avenue Medical Center, Radiology & Biomedical Imaging

      Juan Carlos Perez Lozada, MD, is an interventional radiologist who says he enjoys the minimally invasive aspect of his work that allows patients to recover rapidly.“The extensive variety of pathology each day makes this field my passion,” Dr. Perez Lozada says. “My favorite part of interventional radiology is the scope and breadth of clinical conditions and procedures that I can treat and the constant innovation of my field. I love that I still am able to guide and counsel patients in clinic and be part of their treatment team.” He says he always lets his patients know that their well-being is his priority. “I want them to be safe regardless of the procedure. I want the best treatment possible regardless of the specialty that will take care of them,” he says. “The best patient is the one that has knowledge of their options.” Dr. Perez Lozada offers uterine fibroid embolization, spine interventions, pain management and nerve blocks, dialysis interventions, management of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and interventional oncology.
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    • Joanna Radin, PhD

      Associate Professor of History of Medicine

      Joanna Radin (Associate Professor) received her PhD in History and Sociology of Science from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a historian of biomedical futures who cares about how people in the past imagined how science, technology and medicine would change their lives. This has led her to think and write about global histories of biology, ecology, medicine, technology, and anthropology since 1945; history and anthropology of life and death; biomedical technology and computing; feminist, Indigenous, and queer STS; and science fiction.All of these themes are present in her current book project, which reconsiders the history of science through the career of Michael Crichton.She is the author of Life on Ice: A History of New Uses for Cold Blood (Chicago 2017), the first history of the low-temperature biobank and co-editor, with Emma Kowal of Cyropolitics: Frozen Life in a Melting World (MIT 2017), which considers the technics and ethics of freezing across the life and environmental sciences.
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    • Faye Rogers, PhD

      Associate Professor of Therapeutic Radiology; Associate Cancer Center Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Vice Chair for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Therapeutic Radiology; Associate Director, Yale MD-PhD Program; Director, Yale BioMed Amgen Scholars Program

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    • Sangini S. Sheth, MD, MPH, FACOG

      Associate Professor, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences; Affiliated Faculty, Yale Institute for Global Health; Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI), Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences; Associate Chief, Gynecologic Specialties; Director of Colposcopy and Cervical Dysplasia, Gynecologic Specialties

      As a member of the winning research team for Yale’s 2015 Excellence in Educational Innovation Prize, Dr. Sangini S. Sheth is equally at home caring for patients and mentoring young doctors. She serves as an associate professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale School of Medicine. “I deeply enjoy the great breadth and depth of Ob/Gyn,” says Sheth. “Discussing preventative medicine in clinic one day and performing complex surgery with advanced technology the next.”A native of Connecticut, Dr. Sheth graduated cum laude from Yale University and returned to her alma mater in 2013 after receiving her MD and MPH from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health. In clinical practice, she is passionate about providing a full range of gynecologic services to women in all stages of life, from cervical cancer prevention and prenatal care to advanced treatments and surgery for conditions like fibroids and abnormal uterine bleeding. Her role as an educator and academic at Yale School of Medicine consistently informs the care she provides her patients. “There are several quickly changing areas within Ob/Gyn,” Dr. Sheth says. “I'm excited to be a frontline provider with a researcher's lens.”As part of her continuing commitment to improving women’s reproductive health worldwide, Dr. Sheth has partnered with colleagues in Nepal and Mexico on public health and implementation science studies to improve cervical cancer prevention programs. She is particularly sensitive to those who may feel marginalized by age, gender, race or ethnicity, and women living with HIV. “The field of women's reproductive health is inherently linked to social and political advocacy and addressing health inequities is central to my work,” Dr. Sheth says. An advocate of patient education, she believes in partnering with patients and encouraging women to become knowledgeable and active participants in all aspects of their reproductive health.Dr. Sheth is a member of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Society for Academic Specialists in General Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology.
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    • Donna-Ann Thomas, MD

      Associate Professor of Anesthesiology; Vice Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Anesthesiology; Division Chief Pain Medicine and Regional Anesthesiology, Anesthesiology; Associate Professor Anesthesiology, Anesthesiology

      Dr. Donna-Ann Thomas is the Division Chief of Pain Medicine in the Department of Anesthesiology.  Dr. Thomas received her medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical Center in 1999.  Following her General Surgery residency at Graduate Hospital in Philadelphia, she completed a residency in Anesthesia at SUNY Syracuse.  She is co-chair of the New York State Society of Anesthesiologists and co-chair of the Pain Curriculum Committee at the Yale University School of Medicine.   Dr. Thomas is actively involved in public service, including her steady volunteer work for Abundant Life Christian Center and her contributions to medical missions in Zimbabwe and Kenya.
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    • Marietta Vazquez, MD, FAAP

      Professor of Pediatrics (General Pediatrics); Affiliated Faculty, Yale Institute for Global Health; Pediatric Global Health Track Director; Associate Dean for Medical Student Diversity, Medical Education

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  • Executive Committee (Art in Public Spaces)

    • Darin Latimore, MD

      Co-Director

      Deputy Dean and Chief Diversity Officer and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine (General Medicine); Title IX Deputy Coordinator, Office of the Dean, School of Medicine; Discrimination and Harassment Coordinator, Office of the President

      Dr. Latimore is Yale School of Medicine’s first deputy dean for diversity and inclusion and its first chief diversity officer. He is devoted to increasing diversity within medical and academic spaces and to improving the climate of Yale School of Medicine’s learning and working environments. He is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive strategic plan for furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at the school, which includes a focus on recruitment and retention of faculty and students from backgrounds that have been historically underrepresented in science and medicine. In his role, he has implemented a comprehensive program to improve faculty diversity and retention that focuses on policies, programs, and building community. He also oversees programs that support the outreach, recruitment, success, and retention of YSM students and postdoctoral fellows. He is co-chair of the YSM Program for Art in Public Spaces, which has commissioned new works of art featuring diverse YSM leaders and has hosted public exhibits that feature artwork by and about members of the YSM community. Dr. Latimore joined Yale in 2017 from the University of California, Davis School of Medicine, where he was associate dean for student and resident diversity. After obtaining his medical degree at University of California, Davis School of Medicine and completing his residency in internal medicine at University of California, Davis Medical Center, he worked as a physician specializing in HIV care with The Permanente Medical Group in South Sacramento, CA where he also trained medical students and residents. His transition to academic medicine began with his appointment as associate program director for the UC Davis internal medicine residency program followed by his appointment as the inaugural director of medical student diversity at UC Davis in 2008.
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    • Melissa Grafe, PhD

      John R. Bumstead Librarian for Medical History & Head of the Medical Historical Library

      Melissa Grafe is the Head of the Medical Historical Library at Yale School of Medicine and joined Yale University in 2011 as the John R. Bumstead Librarian for Medical History at the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library. She leads the Medical Historical Library team and manages the library's collections, including over 100,000 medical and scientific volumes from the 12th-21st centuries, as well as a growing digital collection. She also works with students and faculty on research and classes; develops grants and publications; oversees major digitization projects; curates and stages exhibitions; and manages gifts and donations, among other duties.Grafe received her Ph.D. in the History of Medicine from Johns Hopkins University and was a Council of Library and Information Resources (CLIR) postdoctoral fellow at Lehigh University Library followed by an appointment as the Humanities Librarian at Lehigh before coming to Yale. She is past president for the Medical Heritage Library (2018-2020) and Archivists and Librarians in the History of the Health Sciences (renamed Librarians, Archivists, and Museum Professionals in the History of the Health Sciences).
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    • Lena Smith Parker

      Senior Program Leader and Relationship Manager

      Lena is the Senior Program Leader & Relationship Manager for YSM Communications. She started out as a Internet Specialist in communications for Yale Medicine in 2004, and in 2006 was promoted to have purview over the web for all of YSM. Within months she created the first iteration of the brain trust dedicated to the mission of a "world-class" web presence for YSM, which has now grown to a full web team. The group is dedicated to these goals: Beautiful, useful, consistently branded websites that as a unit speak to the excellence of YSM All faculty and organizations being able to promote their important work, regardless of whether or not they have resources Ease of accessibility for users and web editors Excellent communication with clients and administration Efficient use of accurate data across websites In 2016, Lena was promoted to be the Operations Director for the Yale School of Medicine Office of Communications, and in 2021 again to Senior Program Leader & Relationship Manager for YSM Communications.
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  • Office for Women in Medicine and Science

    • Cindy Crusto, PhD

      Associate Dean for Gender Equity and Director of the Office for Women in Medicine and Science

      Professor Adjunct of Psychiatry; Associate Dean for Gender Equity, Yale School of Medicine; Director, Office for Women in Medicine and Science, Yale School of Medicine; Deputy Chair for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Psychiatry; Professor, Social and Behavioral Sciences; Director, Program Evaluation and Child Trauma Research , The Consultation Center, The Consultation Center

      Cindy A. Crusto, Ph.D., Professor of Psychiatry (Psychology Section), Yale University School of Medicine, is Associate Dean for Gender Equity and Director of the Office for Women in Medicine and Science and the Director of Program Evaluation and Child Trauma Research at The Consultation Center.Dr. Crusto has more than 20 years of experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating preventive interventions in schools and community agencies. She also has extensive experience providing training and technical assistance to schools and to community-based organizations on the evaluation of prevention programs. She is interested in culturally relevant interventions for children from racial/ethnic minority and low-income backgrounds and in school-based behavioral health services. Dr. Crusto's research examines the impact of family violence on children and the ecological influences on child and family well-being, and includes rigorous evaluations of community-based initiatives involving substance use and violence prevention, and the promotion of school readiness. Dr. Crusto earned a B.A. in psychology from Vassar College, an M.A. in clinical-community psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and a Ph.D. in clinical-community psychology from the University of South Carolina. She completed pre-doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships in clinical-community psychology at Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry.
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    • Ishita S. Arora, PhD

      Associate Research Scientist (General Medicine)

      Dr. Ishita Sunita Arora is an Associate Research Scientist at Yale University's Department of Internal Medicine. Dr. Arora is a clinical and community psychologist who has worked with underserved and marginalized populations in the resource-limited settings of South Asia and the United States. Dr. Arora's research focuses on four core areas – (a) advancing health equity and evidence-based policy for women’s and maternal health, (b) promotion of girl empowerment and prevention of gender-based violence, (c) advancing anti-racism, diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice, and (d) equitable access and utilization of mental healthcare among historically minoritized communities. Dr. Arora has expertise in community-engaged participatory research, program development and evaluation, implementation science, and violence prevention and intervention in academic medicine, and community and not-for-profit organizations. Dr. Arora completed her predoctoral fellowship at Yale University’s Department of Psychiatry - The Consultation Center (TCC) and Connecticut Mental Health Center (CMHC). Dr. Arora earned her Ph.D. in Clinical and Community Psychology from the University of Maryland and a Master’s in Liberal Studies and Leadership from Ashoka University, India. In India, she has worked as a therapist for street kids and unhoused families for the not-for-profit organization Salaam Baalak Trust. Dr. Arora’s work is guided by anti-racist, anti-casteist, anti-oppressive, and decolonial praxis.
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