| Hello from the Office of Diversity Affairs at Oregon Health & Science University’s School of Medicine. As the Associate Dean for Diversity, I would like to invite you to explore what the School of Medicine and Portland have to offer you as you consider continuing your academic career in medicine and/or bioscience research. At OHSU, we believe change can’t happen if we see things just one way. That’s why we’re committed to recruiting, retaining and supporting a community of underrepresented minorities. Diversity has historically referred to differences in ethnicity, race and gender, but we believe that diversity also refers to a range of diverse experiences: rural/urban and economic backgrounds, sexual orientation, and culture and belief systems. It is our deep conviction that a vibrant and diverse medical community not only fosters an environment conducive to the recruitment and training of exceptional physicians, scientists and students; it is also fundamentally necessary in order to achieve continuing success and excellence in our mission areas of healing, teaching and discovery. As part of our continual work to maintain and expand our diverse community, we provide opportunities for those underrepresented in medicine and bioscience research, including our unique Post-baccalaureate Achievement program, our Equity Summer Research Program, and an innovative curriculum recognized for its emphasis on early patient care experiences. We also work with several OHSU community-driven groups that have a commitment to aiding those who are underrepresented and underserved in medicine. Many of our students belong to student groups such as the Student National Medical Association, the Latino Medical Student Association and LGBTPM (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender People in Medicine). It is an essential part of our culture to participate in community outreach such as the class of first-year medical students who organized and participated in a project to provide medical care to homeless individuals. Students also take the lead on a number of issues; from creating an annual 5K run which benefits local safety-net clinics to organizing the Student Research Forum, a spring event which showcases the best in Oregon Health & Science University graduate student research. Our Portland, Oregon location provides easy access to some of the most beautiful and varied neighborhoods in America. Here, we enjoy unparalleled outdoor recreation from our coast and rivers to the miles of hiking and bicycling trails, with innumerable places to get a great cup of coffee or locally-brewed beer and a fine meal to end the day. As Oregon’s only academic health center, we also maintain strong relationships with several community clinics, variously specializing in low-income communities, historically underserved ethnic neighborhoods and rural areas without access to the medical specialties that proliferate in urban centers. These clinics provide learning opportunities for our students and physicians as they work to ensure the health of all Oregonians. Although recruitment has an important position in our Office, we also recognize that maintaining an ethnically sensitive climate at OHSU is essential. We provide service and support to medical students, residents and faculty already situated at OHSU. Through our pledge of support to underrepresented minority physicians and health scientists, we believe that we are contributing to a future in which the diversity of our health care professionals mirror the diversity of our patients. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at 503-494-8089 or boothe@ohsu.edu or Laurie Mecham, Outreach Manager for the Office of Diversity Affairs in the OHSU School of Medicine at 503-494-1681 or mechaml@ohsu.edu . Good luck and good wishes! We look forward to hearing your thoughts, ideas and suggestions. Best, Ella Booth, PhD
Associate Dean for Diversity
Associate Director, Center for Ethics in Health Care
Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health & Preventive Medicine Download our brochure | 
