We are about finding common ground
The OHSU School of Medicine is deeply committed to increasing and supporting diversity among our faculty, staff, and learners. Diversity includes age, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, identity or expression, neurodiversity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, gender, socioeconomic status, rural heritage and more. We respect diversity of thought ideas and more.
The School of Medicine Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Strategic Action Plan charts our mission and vision into institutional goals in areas aligned with them. The strategic action plan is the result of sustained urgency and focus by school leadership and the school's community.
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Students
Student religious accommodation requests are handled by the Office of Student Affairs. Student disability and pregnancy accommodation requests are addressed by the Office for Student Access.
Employees
OHSU Human Resources' Employee Leaves and Accommodations team handles disability, pregnancy and religious accommodations.
Wednesday, Sept. 2, 5-7 p.m. | School of Medicine DEIB Welcome Event
Join us for an evening of networking as we welcome new and returning School of Medicine members. This event is sponsored by the School of Medicine Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.
The Day in the Life of an OHSU Student
Thank you to our OHSU student leaders for holding their annual outreach program, “The Day in the Life of an OHSU Student.” This is a student-led event that hosts over 120 prospective students interested in medicine and other health professions. This year’s event took place at the Robertson Life Sciences Building.
August Observances
- National Wellness Month
- National Breastfeeding Awareness Month
- National Immunization Awareness Month
- Aug. 1 | National Minority Donor Awareness Day
- Aug. 1 | World Lung Cancer
- Aug. 7 | National Purple Heart Day
- Aug. 9 | International Day of World's Indigenous Peoples
- Aug. 19 | World Humanitarian Day
- Aug. 21 | Senior Citizen Day
- Aug. 26 | Women's Equality Day
- Aug. 31 | International Day for People of African Descent
Enrichment
- Aug. 5 | The Youth IDD and Mental Health Summit
- Aug. 6 | Health Equity Speed Networking Series
- Aug. 17-18 | Medicaid Enterprise Systems Conference 2026
- Aug. 20 | Health Over Profit: Addressing Financialization of Healthcare
- Aug. 25 | Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Asthma and Allergy Care and Outcomes
- Sept. 2 | National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities Director's Seminar
- Sept. 10 | Using mixed-methods to better understand barriers to alcohol treatment among Latino adults with alcohol use disorder
OHSU News
Respectful and identity-affirming language puts our humanity at the center
Inclusive language allows everyone to feel recognized valued, invited and motivated to contribute at their highest level. The OHSU Inclusive Language Guide provides guidance.
SoM Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Strategic Action Plan
The OHSU School of Medicine strategic plan includes three goals with overarching themes that capture the essence of the climate we want to create: Belong, Include, Empower.
School of Medicine M.D. Program: Outdated Medical Terminology Guide
A guide for medical students, educators and providers. Authored by Med24 students Rohi Gheewala, José Manuel Carrillo-Castro and Sean Bowden. Download it here.
Newsletter Content Submission Guidelines
The School of Medicine's "Belong, Include, Empower” e-newsletter is sent monthly to OHSU School of Medicine members. This space is dedicated to the valuable role of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging practices in promoting resources and information. Are you looking to share an idea, resource, update or event? Submit your content ideas to somdiversity@ohsu.edu
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Criteria
- Is this content related to equity, diversity and inclusion within science and medicine?
- Is this content directly applicable to the OHSU School of Medicine students, faculty, and staff?
- Is it timely enough?
- Does it align with OHSU’s SoM values and aspirations around equity & inclusion?
- Does it support community building and knowledge exchange?
- Days of significance, observations and building cultural enrichment and respect.
- Health disparities and inclusion reports, funding opportunities and best practices?
- Achievements aligned with the SoM DEI Plan
Requirements
- Content must be submitted two weeks prior to the publishing deadline. The newsletter is published the 1st of each month.
- Please include a headline, a brief summary (40-50 words) and an image that reflects the nature of the event.
- Photos must be accompanied by signed release forms.
Co-Creation
School members offer diverse insights which plays a central role in determining and developing the content of the newsletter. This model allows the participation of all school members including the school's DEIB vice chairs, directors and committee chairs who lead initiatives at the department level.