Residency Program | Diversity

From the Office of Diversity Programs

Washington University School of Medicine strongly believes that its continued success and preeminence depends on creating and maintaining a culturally competent and diverse academic workplace. In 1996 the medical school demonstrated its commitment to cultural diversity by creating the Office of Diversity Programs. The new office represents a fundamental change in mission compared to its predecessor, the Office of Minority Student Affairs. The current mission reflects the need to promote cultural diversity not only within the student body but the entire academic workforce as a means of enhancing the educational environment at Washington University School of Medicine. While we continue to celebrate the richness of all ethnic backgrounds represented in the School of Medicine, we have sharpened our focus on increasing the pool of underrepresented minorities, women, the socioeconomically disadvantaged and the disabled. A summary of the goals embodied in the Office of Diversity Programs Strategic Plan are:

• To enhance, improve and expand the diversity of the student population of the School (and the University).

• To develop stronger ties with the Hilltop Campus as a means of encouraging outstanding minority students to choose careers in Medicine and the Biomedical Sciences at Washington University.

• To encourage exceptional minority high school students along career paths that lead to the medical sciences.

• To advocate for a diverse group of house staff, fellows and faculty to encourage the recruitment of minority faculty.

• To help foster an environment within our academic and medical community that supports the personal achievements and development of outstanding students and faculty of diverse backgrounds.

• To develop a robust outreach program that in effect creates a Medical Center without the walls.

These goals reflect our efforts to promote an academic environment that extols personal differences and affirms the benefits of multiculturalism - which we define as an active process that stresses an understanding and acceptance of cultures, beliefs and practices distinct from one's own.

Will Ross, M.D.
Associate Dean and Director Office of Diversity Programs
Washington University School of Medicine
Box 8023 660 S. Euclid Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 362-6854

Cultural Diversity Vision – St. Louis Children’s Hospital

In order to accomplish our mission, “To do what is right for kids” and in order to recruit and retain highly skilled, caring people…

• SLCH will champion the diversity of our patients to help provide excellent care in a nurturing environment.
• SLCH’s work force will reflect the cultures of the communities we serve at all levels.
• SLCH will take the lead in creating and marking an environment for employees that attracts and welcomes the best of all groups.
• SLCH will provide an environment for employees where creativity and learning is rewarded, differences are accepted and appreciated and equality is cherished.

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