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. We consider a wide range of life experiences as part of diversity, including rural heritage, economic background, sexual orientation, culture and belief systems.
The School of Medicine Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Strategic Action Plan 2021 - 2025 charts our contributions to institutional goals in the areas that we can significantly impact, including retention and recruitment of individuals under-represented in medicine and biomedical science. The strategic action plan is the result of sustained urgency and focus by school leaders and the SoM Diversity Affairs Committee, which includes faculty, students and trainees.
The SOM is committed to diversity and our practices, programs and policies are in alignment with AAMC, LCME, ACGME and OHSU program accreditation standards.
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.
Gender Equity
Using data from the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC), the OHSU School of Medicine was recognized this year as one of the top performers in gender equity leadership representation and promotion and as a leading institution in advancing women's representation in academic medicine.
Andrea Cedfeldt, M.D., professor of medicine and associate dean for faculty development, OHSU School of Medicine, highlighted the school’s primary initiatives. OHSU was one of three institutions among the top performers at the 2025 AAMC Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas. Cedfeldt gave a presentation on the school’s collective initiatives and programming that advance gender equity. Highlights included Gender Equity in Academic Health and Medicine committee, pay equity efforts, professional development efforts focused on leadership and career advancement, including promotion and tenure and strategies to promote a culture of women in leadership at OHSU.
Stepping In - Active Bystander Training
Through Stepping-In for Respect, the School of Medicine reinforces its commitment to creating an environment where every individual has a sense of belonging, a voice that is heard and the opportunities to achieve and thrive.
December Observances
- Impaired Driving Prevention Month
- National Influenza Vaccination Week | Dec. 1-5
- World AIDS Day | Dec. 1
- International Day of Persons with Disabilities | Dec. 3
- International Human Rights Day | Dec. 10
- International Migrants Day | Dec. 18
Upcoming events & webinars
- Dec. 11 | Caring for the Whole Person - Honoring Spiritual Diversity in Healthcare
- Dec. 11 | The One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Financial and Policy Impacts on Academic Health Systems
- Dec. 12 | Medical Mistrust: Conceptual Insights and Empirical Challenges
- Dec. 16 | Inclusion Academy, Experiential Learning: The Role of AI in Promoting Fair and Inclusive Healthcare
- Dec. 18 | From Resistance to Resilience: Learn How Equity Work is Being Strenghtened
Noticias en Español
- OHSU destaca el futuro de la investigación y los cambios que están ocurriendo en el Knight Cancer Institute.
- OHSU es el primero en Oregón en ofrecer una nueva opción de tratamiento para el cáncer de próstata
- Los pacientes de bajos ingresos con diabetes tienen más probabilidad de experimentar inestabilidad de seguro
- Científicos del sueño de OHSU ofrecen consejos para el cambio de hora
- Un estudio aporta nuevos conocimientos sobre el desarrollo auditivo en los niños
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 School of Medicine 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
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.