Dr. Vasquez-Melendez

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UICOMP Initiatives Toward Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Column by Dr. Elsa L. Vazquez-Melendez
Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force

Mission

The purpose of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force is to foster community engagement and inclusive environments, recruitment and retention of diverse individuals, and expand education about health equity and diversity.

Vision

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force at University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria acknowledges the existence of social, economic, environmental and structural differences that lead to inequities in our society. Our College is dedicated to the goal of building a diverse and inclusive community of faculty, staff, residents and medical students committed to teaching, learning and working in a multicultural environment. We acknowledge the unique contributions those with varied life experiences and backgrounds have on the advancement of research, teaching and patient care, and will aim to build a community that recruits, embraces, welcomes and supports individuals who identify as underrepresented in medicine.

Goals

Establish action plans for mitigating the impacts of racism and/or reducing systemic inequities
Lead initiatives to improve policies, processes, and training opportunities that will ensure short and long-term impact

Subcommittees

Recruitment, Retention and Concerns Subcommittee

This subcommittee focuses on developing strategies that will increase attention to recruitment and retention of diverse students, residents, fellows, faculty and staff. This subcommittee will revise current hiring procedures, will ensure that searches and strategies are conducted in a holistic way and will help hold hiring officers accountable. We have plans to improve pipeline programs and retention of the underrepresented minorities in our institution.

Learning and Work Environment Subcommittee

This subcommittee focuses on improving all aspects of the experience of Blacks and other underrepresented in medicine students, residents, fellows, faculty and staff in their work and learning environments. We will work on creating structures that support everyone and make everyone feel included. This subcommittee will work on addressing processes of reporting mistreatment and/or concerns and ensuring an inclusive learning, research, clinical and work climate.