Letter from the Directors

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The Department of Neurology is committed to fostering an environment where all students, trainees, staff, and faculty feel valued and supported. We believe that creating a sense of belonging enriches our collective experiences, improves the quality of patient care, and strengthens our connections to neighboring communities.

To address these important issues within Neurology, in 2021, we established a Health Outcomes, Access and Engagement (HAE) initiative and subsequently the HAE Task Force. From March through June 2021, we conducted a Listening Tour, engaging members across the Neurology Department to better understand their perspectives on belonging at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. In 2024, this effort has grown to include creating and joining listening opportunities with local community leaders to better understand what community partnership should look like. These discussions revealed common themes that informed our Strategic Plan, which prioritizes the following key areas:

• Recruitment: Seeking individuals with a wide range of backgrounds to help grow our department.
• Retention: Implementing measures to ensure that all members feel valued and can thrive within our community.
• Education: Providing comprehensive training and educational resources to advance brain health and promote awareness and understanding for everyone.
• Mentorship: Establishing mentorship programs to support professional development for everyone.
• Community Partnership: Building and sustaining strong partnerships with our local communities to promote brain health across the lifespan.
• Culture/Climate: Creating a welcoming and respectful environment where all voices are heard and valued.

We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our progress and initiatives. Please contact us for additional information about our efforts.

Nicole Gonzales, MD
Professor of Neurology