Perspectives for Inclusion

<h3><strong>Upcoming Events</strong></h3>

Kicking off the third year in the “Perspectives for Inclusion” series, Fall 2026 includes two engaging talks. The organizing committee invites all members of the YSM and Yale University communities to attend.

• On Monday, Oct. 26 at 4 p.m., Jeffrey S. Flier, MD, former dean of Harvard Medical School, will give a talk titled, “Open Inquiry in Higher Ed and Medicine: Challenges and Remedies.” Flier’s talk will be followed by a Q&A with YSM Dean Nancy J. Brown, MD. This event will be in-person only and registration is required.
• On Tuesday, Nov. 10 at noon, Benjamin Doolittle, MD, MDiv, Yale professor of medicine, pediatrics, and divinity, will present “Connecting Body and Soul: Patients’ Religious Faith and Health Outcomes,” followed by a panel discussion of Yale New Haven Hospital chaplains representing a range of religious traditions.

<h3><strong>Seeking Advisory Committee Members</strong></h3>

The Perspectives for Inclusion Advisory Committee is essential to the success of the lecture series. The advisory committee seeks three to five additional YSM faculty members from varied scientific, educational, and clinical specialties to generate ideas for themes, speakers, and panelists; use their professional networks; help determine the focus of each event; moderate discussions when needed; and contribute to the development and success of the series. YSM faculty are encouraged to nominate themselves or a colleague for consideration. Please review the expectations and submit nominations by Sept. 30, 2026.

Perspectives for Inclusion Lecture Series

In September 2024, Deputy Dean for Collaborative Excellence Darin Latimore, MD, announced the launch of a new lecture series, Perspectives for Inclusion, and encouraged the entire community to take part. The series is sponsored by the YSM Advocates for Collaborative Advisory Excellence (ACE) Council and the YSM Office of Collaborative Excellence (OCE).

Perspectives for Inclusion is a lecture series creating insight, exploration, and reflection. Delve into the role each of us plays in creating an inclusive environment. Yale School of Medicine invites leading experts to offer a broader field of vision and deeper understanding of the communities we belong to and serve.

Find coverage of past events below.

Listed by the most recent

2025–2026

Loretta J. Ross on “Calling In” with Compassion

Loretta J. Ross spoke as part of the Perspectives for Inclusion lecture series, in March 2026, sharing anecdotes and insights illustrating the techniques in her book, “Calling In: How to Start Making Change with Those You’d Rather Cancel.” Her talk drew members of the Yale community into a discussion about self-reflection, setting realistic expectations, and fostering positive change through constructive dialogue.

Khalilah L. Brown-Dean on Finding Joy and Purpose in Turbulent Times

In February of 2026, Khalilah L. Brown-Dean, PhD, shared lessons from her professional and personal journey toward becoming an award-winning author, political scientist, and civic leader. “Resilience reminds you that you can get through, but it requires acknowledgement. It is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of your humanity. Resilience is imperative. Joy is not denial. It is the insistence that our dignity and our worth are not negotiable.”

Antonia Coello Novello on a Life of Service

Antonia Coello Novello, the 14th Surgeon General of the United States, spoke about her book, Duty Calls: Lessons Learned from an Unexpected Life of Service on Sept. 16, 2025, in celebration of Hispanic & Latine Heritage Month. Novello’s story is one of enduring commitment to public health and leadership, including becoming the first woman and first Hispanic person to serve as Surgeon General, a long career with the NIH, serving as New York State Commissioner of Health during 9/11, and coordinating health care resources in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria and during the COVID-19 pandemic.