Welcome Message

One of the foremost challenges placed before health professions institutions of higher learning is to fully embrace and advance their role in effectively addressing health disparities and promote health equity in the communities which they impact and serve. An essential strategy is to effectively participate in the development of a culturally respectful medical work force, which is prepared to serve populations and communities, which are affected by the social determinants of health and who experience critical health disparities.

Core elements of the Office of Community Engagement & Health Equity Programs programmatic priorities readily align with the School of Medicine's strategic goals which aim to: 1)Promote and embrace a climate of inclusion and cultural respect in the School of Medicine faculty, GME trainees, and UME student body, and 2)Expand outreach initiatives to develop and strengthen mutually beneficial relationships with community partners.

In fulfilling our mission, our core programs support and advance holistic admissions frameworks, which translate into the development and construction of a representative student community, which strengthens the quality of the learning environment. We are proud that in keeping with the legacy of the office's founders, our programs continue to promote health professions pipeline initiatives, which serve to enhance both interest and access to careers in medicine among communities that are disadvantaged and underrepresented in medicine. I am very proud of the fact that we have a program faculty and staff who are dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusion and engagement for all members of our institution's educational community.

 

Robert T. Maupin Jr., MD

Associate Dean

Office of Community Engagment and Health Equity Programs