Diversity

Diversity is a catalyst for creativity and innovation. A diverse community of faculty, students and staff immeasurably enriches our learning environment and helps us move closer to a future in which our community of health care providers mirrors the diversity of our patients. We will build and sustain a multicultural community because this is a reflection of the fundamental values of the OHSU School of Medicine.  

Historically, diversity refers to differences in ethnicity, race and gender. In the OHSU School of Medicine, we are finding that a range of life experiences is also important to diversity: rural heritage, economic background, sexual orientation, culture and belief systems and educational hardships, to name a few.  

We want to increase diversity because it is the right thing to do and because it makes us stronger and better able to provide for patients. To learn more about diversity initiatives and resources at OHSU, click here for information about Diversity at OHSU.

The School of Medicine supports several student group focused on the needs of diverse communities.

SNMA

The Student National Medical Association is the nation's oldest and largest independent, student-run organization focused on the needs and concerns of medical students of color.  SNMA boasts over 40 years of service to underserved communities and medical students. Contact  the local chapter of SNMA at SNMALMSA@ohsu.edu.

CHASM

CHASM, the Coalition for Health and Affirmation of Sexual Minorities, is an organization newly formed through a collaboration of the Schools of Medicine, Nursing and Dentistry.  Contact this group at chasm@ohsu.edu.

APAMSA

Asian Pacific Association of Medical Students is a national organization that aims to address those issues important to Asian-American medical students.Contact the OHSU chapter at apamsa@ohsu.edu.

LMSA

The Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) is a network of students, alumni, and health professionals whose mission is to promote the development of Latino students through educational, volunteer, professional and networking opportunities to foster diversity, higher education, and the improvement of the Latino community.Contact the local chapter of LMSA at SNMALMSA@ohsu.edu.

Need more information? Or not finding the information you want about our diversity initiatives? Call the School of Medicine Office of the Dean directly at 503-494-8220 or e-mail somweb@ohsu.edu. We'll get right back to you.