About the CU PM&R Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

 

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:

  • Supporting DEI initiatives at PM&R to promote more inclusivity within the department.
  • Advancing DEI at PM&R by highlighting ongoing education and training opportunities, or sponsoring educational programs to promote diversity.
  • Advising PM&R leadership concerning inclusive employee and trainee recruitment, hiring, retention, and promotion efforts within our department.

 

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.

Members of Committee:

  • Michael Harris-Love, PT, MPT, DSc, FGSA, FAPTA (Chair)
  • Zachary Arcona, PsyD
  • Catharine Johnston-Brooks, PhD
  • Alison Colbert, PhD
  • David Coons, MD
  • Scott Laker, MD
  • Adele Meron, MD
  • William Niehaus, MD
  • Zachary Noriega, MPA

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).

 

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PM&R and the ASPIRE Challenge: The National Alliance for Inclusive & Diverse STEM Staff

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:

 

  • Preparation of STEM faculty to be more inclusive and effective in their teaching, research mentoring, and advising
  • Effectively recruiting, hiring, and retaining underrepresented STEM faculty and transforming practices
  • Developing and supporting policies, and resources to support these efforts

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.


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Summer Heritage, History and Identity Observances:

Learn more about holidays, heritage, history, and identity observances, and corresponding events throughout the year.

June: LGBTQ+ Pride Month
June: National Immigrant Heritage Month

July 14: International Non-Binary People's Day
July 16: International Drag Day
August 9: International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
August 26: Women's Equality Day
August 26: Wear Purple Day

Summer Health Awareness:

June: National Gun Violence Awareness Month
June: Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month
June: Cataract Awareness Month
June: Men's Health Month
June: Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month
June: National Aphasia Awareness Month
June: National Congenital Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month
June: National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month
June: National Safety Month
June: National Scleroderma Awareness Month
June: PTSD Awareness Month

June: Scoliosis Awareness Month
June 2: National Cancer Survivors Day
June 14: World Blood Donor Day
June 18: Autistic Pride Day
June 19: World Sickle Cell Awareness Day
June 25-July 1: Deaf/Blind Awareness Week
June 27: National HIV Testing Day
June 27: National PTSD Awareness Day
July: Cord Blood Awareness Month
July: Group B Strep International Awareness Month
July: Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month
July: National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month
July: Sarcoma Awareness Month
July: UV Safety Awareness Month
July 28: World Hepatitis Day
August: Children's Eye Health and Safety Month
August: Gastroparesis Awareness Month
August: National Breastfeeding Month
August: Psoriasis Action Month
August: Summer Sun Safety Month
August 1: World Lung Cancer Awareness Day
August 1-7: World Breastfeeding Week
August 4-10: National Health Center Week
August 18-24: Contact Lens Health Week
August 31: International Overdose Awareness Day

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