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. 2023 Jun;30(2):342-355.
doi: 10.1007/s10880-022-09929-x. Epub 2022 Dec 3.

A Path Toward Equity and Inclusion: Establishing a DEI Committee in a Department of Pediatrics

Kyle A Bersted  1 , Kerri M Lockhart  2 , Janet Yarboi  2 , Marylouise K Wilkerson  2 , Bridget L Voigt  2 , Sherald R Leonard  2 , Jean M Silvestri  2
Affiliations

A Path Toward Equity and Inclusion: Establishing a DEI Committee in a Department of Pediatrics

Kyle A Bersted et al. J Clin Psychol Med Settings. 2023 Jun.

Erratum in

Abstract

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee was established in 2017 within the Department of Pediatrics at Rush University Medical Center (RUMC), an academic medical health center located on the near west side of Chicago, IL. Results from climate surveys highlighted the need for increased DEI initiatives within the department, and a renewed national reckoning on racial tensions sparked an additional sense of urgency for system-level change. This paper outlines the initial creation and ongoing efforts of the DEI committee. Information related to the structure of our committee, aims of our work, progress toward identified goals, as well as ongoing barriers is provided. Academic medical health centers are tasked not only with working and training together, but also to care for a diverse group of patients within a larger community. As such, academic medical health centers represent a unique backdrop and opportunity for individual and system-level change.

Keywords: Academic health center; Diversity; Equity; Inclusion.

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Conflict of interest statement

Kyle A. Bersted, Kerri M. Lockhart, Janet Yarboi, Marylouise K. Wilkerson, Bridget L. Voigt, Sherald R. Leonard and Jean M. Silvestri declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Timeline of major events and initiatives
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Structure and goals of the DEI Committee
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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