2 minute read
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Strategic Priority - Build a professional and resilient community of practice that brings together faculty, staff and learners in an inclusive learning environment
Vice Dean for Health Equity and Inclusion Valencia Walker, MD, MPH talks about DEI
“What attracted me to the position at Geisinger was that I met multiple people who recognized there was a need for change, and there was a need for effort in the DEI space. This is especially important now, three years after the murder of Mr. George Floyd, when so many institutions across all sectors have kind of had a retreat in terms of their support and positioning on issues of justice, inclusion and anti-racism. So, recognizing the backlash — even some outright hostility — I thought it was an amazing opportunity to come to an institution where people were still hungry for change and improvement.
“And oh my gosh, my students! They want to be so involved! They are why we are currently working on identifying other faculty and training them to start doing the work. I'm also working with a fantastic group of people in the Graduate Medical Education space who I think will help us identify the various work people are doing across different clinical programs and bring those things together.”
— Valencia Walker, MD, MPH
A place to ponder legacy
The Association of American Medical Colleges held its first-ever Learner Summit in June in Washington, D.C. Attendees were chosen through a competitive national process. Among them was Chinma Ugorji, MD, Geisinger’s co-chief resident of medicine/pediatrics.
The Learner Summit prompted Dr. Ugorji to focus on her professional legacy. “One area where I’ve done the most work during my residency is diversity, equity and inclusion. I want to be thought of as a strong advocate,” she said.
