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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Update (July 2024)

July 09, 2024
by Benjamin Mba

July brings the fireworks, hot dogs, and burgers. . .

On June 12, we held our first Department of Medicine Mentorship and Sponsorship retreat for section chiefs and senior faculty who advise on promotions within sections. We discussed various topics, including mentoring across differences, mentorship training, the FDAQ process, the new promotion tracks, and the concept of career sponsorship.

We aim to enhance the mentorship relationships, make the experience equitable across all sections, and cultivate a culture of sponsorship. Based on evaluations and feedback, I'm proud to share that the retreat was a resounding success. We plan to have this retreat every one to two years, building on this success and furthering our commitment to mentorship and sponsorship.

In January, we launched a departmental inclusive survey. By the end of July, we will share the summary findings. Based on these findings, we will share our strategies and next steps to make the Department of Medicine more inclusive and equitable.

I am excited to see and meet more staff at the Staff Appreciation Picnic on Thursday, July 18. It will be great fun as we get to know each other, enjoy great food, and share some swag.

Upcoming Talks

Don’t miss our next Equity Begins with Everyone (EBE) gathering on Monday, June 15, at noon in Fitkin Auditorium and on Zoom. We highly encourage in-person attendance. Our guest speaker is Cayetana Navarro, MBA, PMP. Cayetana will give a talk titled Developing an LGBTQ Champions Program. She will lead a discussion on the benefits of having providers identified as specifically proficient in the care of LGBTQ+ individuals, followed by a moderated open conversation. We will continue our theme of sourcing food from different parts of the world for the EBE gathering.

Below are the secular and religious events during July:

If you haven’t participated in our monthly column, “Voices of DEI,” please consider doing so. These columns are featured on the Internal Medicine website and social media channels. If you wish to be a featured voice of DEI, please complete the survey using this link.

I am committed to supporting and expanding DEI efforts within the Department of Internal Medicine; please join me. Equity begins with everyone. Together, we strive. Together, we rise.

Respectfully Yours,

Benjamin

Benjamin Mba, MBBS, MRCP (UK), CHCQM, FACP

Professor of Medicine

Vice Chair, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Department of Internal Medicine

Graduate Medical Education Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion & Associate Designated Institutional Official for Yale New Haven Hospital and Yale School of Medicine