Pediatrics Residency Columbia - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Promoting cultural awareness

The mission of the Pediatric Diversity and Inclusion Committee at Prisma Health/University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia is to promote cultural competency and foster awareness of diversity in our community.

Our goal is to work through recruitment, mentorship with medical students/interest groups, and resident education to not only foster a culturally diverse learning environment, but also to address health disparities associated with underrepresented groups in medicine. These groups include, but are not limited to, minorities based on race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation or gender identity. Through this, we hope to improve health outcomes for all children we serve during residency and throughout or careers as pediatricians.

At Prisma Health/USC School of Medicine we will:

• Foster and maintain an environment that is respective and inclusive of all faculty, residents, students, and members of the community.
• Collaborate with various organizations and community members to develop a curriculum that promotes cultural diversity and addresses health disparities.
• Provide mentorship and education to medical students, residents, and community members.
• Enhance campus-wide diversity and cultural awareness.
• Work closely with our recruiting committee to increase our number of residents from underrepresented minority groups.

Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives

• Recruitment and retention of underrepresented minorities in medicine interested in pediatrics.
• Informational sessions for underrepresented minorities applying to our pediatric residency program to further discuss our commitment to diversity, cultural competency, and recruitment of a diverse resident class that further reflects our patient population.
• Pediatric Resident Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
• Community engagement.
• Resident and Faculty Privilege Walk.
• Children's Hospital Outpatient clinic talks and noon conferences focusing on sensitive topics related to DEI.
• DEI Pediatric Residency Book Club.
• Collaboration with USC School of Medicine and its diversity efforts.