Welcome to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion webpage for the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.
CU PM&R is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our clinical, academic, and service work. We recognize that diversity encompasses differences in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, and political beliefs.
In alignment with the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation's (AAPM&R) Diversity and Inclusion Statement, we strive to create a culture that is inclusive and respectful of all individuals, where all members feel valued, respected, and supported. This includes not just promoting diversity but also actively working to eliminate discrimination, bias, and disparities in our department.
Our department also follows the University of Colorado School of Medicine Diversity Plan, which aims to increase the diversity of the medical student body, faculty, and staff, and to foster an inclusive environment where all members feel respected and valued.
Our CU PM&R Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee is dedicated to implementing these goals through:
Collectively, we will strive to ensure that our patients receive culturally appropriate, quality medical care. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable environment for our patients, faculty, and staff.
The committee is aided by the consultation of our Advisory Group, Krista Walker, PhD (DEI training consultation), and Olawunmi Ogunwo, JD, PHR (HR/legal consultation).
The INCLUDES project (Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discoverers in Engineering and Science) is an NSF-funded initiative to promote the recruitment, hiring, and retention of STEM faculty from underrepresented groups.
The INCLUDES project has recently evolved into an alliance called, “Aspire: The National Alliance for Inclusive & Diverse STEM Faculty”. The NSF INCLUDES Aspire Alliance is broadly pursuing strategic goals focused on faculty:
The Aspire Alliance program assessment process aims to deepen our understanding about the strategies and conditions that support increasing inclusivity and diversity in STEM departments and programs (which includes medicine). The PM&R DEI Committee has recommended that our department engage in the Aspire Alliance program assessment process.
The resulting findings from the proposed Aspire Alliance Self-Study at PM&R should identify the factors that will help to inform what propels or impedes efforts to foster diversity and inclusion in our department.
This is a broad effort that will depend on our collective contributions. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion has graciously offered to assist with this process over the next academic year. The committee will provide the report to the Department Chair and make the findings available to our faculty and staff. More updates will be provided soon about the process, the timelines, and our progress.
In the article, How Can the Healthcare System Achieve Health Equity? the CU Anschutz newsroom sat down with Kamal Henderson, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Cardiology, who says our society’s systems to address healthcare, unfortunately, have inequities baked in. He seeks pragmatic, community-based solutions to the root causes of health disparities.
If PM&R faculty or staff have suggestions for the next "Current Read" please email zachary.noriega@cuanschutz.edu.
Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Community Engagement
Office for Educational Outreach and Pathway Initiatives
Center for Identity & Inclusion
Veteran & Military Student Services
Office of Resolution Management, Diversity & Inclusion (ORMDI)
Office of Academic Affiliations Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 East 17th Place Aurora, CO 80045
Saturday, April 15, 2023 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Join colleagues from the School of Medicine for an exciting day of mentorship, medical exposure, and networking, as we strengthen the future of healthcare.
March: National Women's History Month
March: Irish-American Heritage Month
March 13-April 15: National Deaf History Month
March 31: International Transgender Day of Visibility
April: Arab-American Heritage Month
April: Dalit History Month
April 6: International Asexuality Day
April 26: Lesbian Visibility Day
May: Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May: Older Americans Month
May: Jewish American Heritage Month
May: Haitian Heritage Month
May 17: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
May 19: Agender Pride Day
May 24: Pansexual and Panromantic Awareness Day