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).

 

Aspire Banner

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.


National Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month 2024 Student Spotlight - October 8, 2024

Get to Know: Cecilia Loya

Oct 8, 2024

Get to Know: Cecilia Loya

Story by: Zabrina Motwani Condor

What made you want to pursue a career in Physical Therapy?
I’ve always been drawn to helping others, and my grandmother’s experience profoundly shaped my path toward a career in physical therapy. After her stroke, I became her caregiver, witnessing firsthand the challenges she faced and the impact that rehabilitation had on her recovery. It was inspiring to see how dedicated therapists helped her regain her strength and independence. That experience ignited a passion in me to give back to the community in a meaningful way. I realized how crucial physical therapy is in not only restoring physical function but also enhancing quality of life. I want to support others on their journeys to recovery, just like those therapists did for my grandmother. Knowing I can make a positive difference in someone’s life motivates me every day.

How has CU Physical Therapy program allowed you to pursue your goals?
The CU Physical Therapy program has been essential in helping me pursue my goals. The supportive advisors provide personalized guidance, fostering my growth and confidence. With a rigorous curriculum that enhances learning through collaboration and real-world applications, the program prepares us for the challenges of the field. Additionally, gaining clinical experience in the first year has been invaluable, allowing me to apply my knowledge and build essential skills early on. This comprehensive support has set me on a strong path toward becoming a compassionate and effective physical therapist.

What is your “why”?
My “why” centers on the desire to give back to patients and help them regain their lives, especially after witnessing my grandmother’s journey after her stroke. Her experience as a patient highlighted the resilience required to overcome recovery challenges, and it ignited a passion in me to support others facing similar struggles. I want to empower patients to reclaim their independence and well-being, guiding them through their rehabilitation journeys with compassion and understanding. Being part of their recovery is my way of honoring my grandmother’s experience and making a meaningful impact in their lives.

September 15 – October 15 is a month to celebrate and honor Hispanic and Latin heritage, and the contributions to this country's history, culture and advancements. What does this mean for you?
Celebrating Hispanic and Latin heritage means honoring the sacrifices and dreams of my immigrant parents, who left everything behind in Mexico to create better opportunities for our family in America. Their journey inspires me to strive for success and fulfill the aspirations they had for us. It’s a reminder of the resilience and strength within our community. I aim to be a role model for future generations, showing them that with determination and hard work, they can achieve their dreams too. This month serves as both a celebration of our rich culture and a commitment to carry forward the legacy of those who came before us.

In what ways do you feel you have contributed to the advancement of this Physical Therapy program? / How have you, or want to contribute to your community now/after your graduate? 
After I graduate, I want to contribute to my community by becoming a patient advocate, particularly for low-income families who often struggle to navigate the healthcare system. I aim to provide support and education, helping them understand their options and access the resources they need for better health outcomes. By raising awareness and breaking down barriers, I hope to empower these families and ensure they receive the care they deserve. Ultimately, I want to create a more equitable healthcare environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of their background.

What words of encouragement do you have to share with future students of color pursuing careers in healthcare?
To future students of color pursuing careers in healthcare, I want to remind you that your unique perspectives and experiences are invaluable to the field. It’s normal to face imposter syndrome, but remember that you belong in this program and have every right to be here. Embrace your journey, and don’t hesitate to lean on your support system when challenges arise. Always keep your “why” at the forefront, especially during difficult semesters—it’s your passion for helping others that will guide you through. You have the potential to make a meaningful impact, and your contributions will enrich the healthcare community. Keep pushing forward!

Black History Month 2024 Resident Spotlight

Get to know Dr. Adedayo Balogun

Zachary Noriega, MPA | Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation/CU School of Medicine Feb 1, 2024
Photo of Dr. Balogun.

Get to Know: Dr. Adedayo Balogun

What made you want to pursue a career in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation? 
As a medical student, I had a wide and varied interest in all of my different clinical rotations. I had a strong interest in the musculoskeletal system, and the neurological and neuroanatomy courses. When I was exposed to a PM&R rotation, it was the first rotation that I felt completely in tune with the physicians that were present. It helped address all of the most important aspects of a person’s healthcare, and took into account all aspects of a person’s experience when taking part in their care.  

How has the CU PM&R residency program allowed you to pursue your goals? 
This residency program has so far allowed me to cultivate my experience and independence in different rehabilitation settings and learn how to navigate the different barriers and challenges that patients face routinely. I've been exposed to many different versions of being a PM&R physician, and I have had the ability to explore these different areas in a way that I can prepare myself for life after residency.

What is your “why”? 
My “why” is always to bring the best care to as many people that I can first and foremost. I want to be able to deliver that same care to people that have historically been overlooked, and taken advantage of as well. I aspire to provide patients that may not always feel seen or heard to understand that I’m taking their concerns to heart, and I understand the perspective that many of their other care providers may not. I also strive to be a positive example for others who may look like me or identify with me. I want to be more than an example, but a support system for those coming after me.  

February is a month to honor and celebrate Black leaders. What does this mean for you? 
Black History Month is an opportunity to take a step back and reflect on the ways that black people have contributed to the world. We have been leaders for change and equity, leaders in science, health care, ingenuity and all aspects of life. Being a leader, to me is about being accountable. I think that having priorities, morals, and standards, and holding strong to those values is all that it takes to be a leader.  

What leadership role(s) have you taken up and what impact have they had on you and your time in medical school or residency? As a medical student I took part in my school's Student National Medical Association (SNMA) chapter. As president of this chapter, we had a hand in reaching out to the community for other people to understand that becoming a physician was attainable, finishing school and going to the college opened plenty of doors, and providing support and guidance for undergraduate students that had an interest in going to medical school.  

Being a physician inherently occupies a leadership role. As a physiatrist, we regularly take part in team meetings, where we discuss patients with PT’s, OT’s, RN’s, social workers, case managers, and speech therapists. Sometimes, being a leader is understanding how the team functions most effectively, other times it’s trusting your teammates to their expertise and simply providing an overall team goal for everyone to strive towards.  

What words of encouragement do you have to share with future students of color pursuing careers in healthcare?
The words of encouragement that I have for those students would be to always show up and be yourself. You have a unique experience and perspective that matters, and never let fear of failure keep you from trying something that you are passionate about. Do your best to surround yourself with people that you admire and have similar goals as yourself. Not competitors, but people who will lift you up with them. These are the people that you’ll grow the closest to both professionally and personally.


Winter Heritage, History and Identity Observances:

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

December 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
February: African American/Black History Month
February 16-22: Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week

Winter Health Awareness:

December: National Safe Toys and Gifts Month
December 1: World AIDS Day
December 2-8: National Handwashing Awareness Week
January: Cervical Health Awareness Month
January: National Birth Defects Prevention Month
January: National Blood Donor Month
January: Glaucoma Awareness Month
January: National Stalking Awareness Month
January: Thyroid Awareness Month
February: Low Vision Awareness Month
February: American Heart Health Month
February: Prenatal Infection Awareness Month
February: National Cancer Prevention Month
February: National Children's Dental Health Month
February: National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
February 4: World Cancer Day
February 7: Give Kids A Smile Day
February 7: National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
February 7-14: Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week
February 14-21: National Condom Week
February 14: National Donor Day
February 22: National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day
February 28: Rare Disease Day
February 24-March 2: Eating Disorders Awareness Week

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