Learn about all the DEI initiatives and updates.
Learn about all the DEI initiatives and updates.

Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Newsletter 

School of Medicine, UMKC

January/February 2021 issue

Let us celebrate holidays and observances including Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day, Chinese New Year, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, and Black History Month. As the COVID-19 vaccine continues to roll out, communities of color continue to be disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic including increased infection risks and rates with decreased access to the vaccine. Skepticism exists so, please research and gather accurate information about the vaccine to ensure that you and loved ones are making an educated decision.

Stay Woke Spotlight

This Stay Woke Spotlight highlights SVP, Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer for Children's Mercy Hospital, Michelle WP. Wimes, JD. Wimes is well known for her work in the community where she serves on the board of the University of Missouri - Kansas City. She is nationally respected for her presentations and writings on professional development and diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Wimes and Children's Mercy Hospital have created a new video series called, "Walking the Talk." This series explores issues regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. In honor of Black History Month, Michelle Wimes, J.D. and Jane Knapp, M.D. traveled to the 18th & Vine district to learn more about the History of Wheatley Provident Hospital, which is the first hospital in Kansas City for African-American children.
We appreciate the dedication and committment that SVP Michelle Wimes and Chidlren's Mercy have towards promoting diveristy, equity, and inclusion. Stay positive, remain woke, and please watch the video, Walking The Talk: Wheatley Provident Hospital.

Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

DEI Updates

Living the Values UMKC Staff Award

Congratulations to Ms. Raquel McCommon for being awarded the Living the Values Award. This honor is awarded to a staff member who embodies the core values of the School of Medicine including learning, diversity, integrity, accountability, respect, and collaboration.

2021 Dr. Reaner and Mr. Henry Shannon Endowed Lectureship in Minority Health

Over 140 people attended the virtual 2021 Shannon Endowed Lectureship with guest speaker, Dr. Patrice A. Harris, the Immediate Past President of the American Medical Association and the first African American woman to hold this position. If you missed Dr. Harris’ lecture titled “Physician Leadership in Advancing Health Equity,” please click to view. The Shannon Endowed Lectureship is supported by generous donations. If you are interested in donating, please visit go.umkc.edu/give and type “Shannon Endowed Lectureship” in the designation area.

AMWA

American Medical Women's Association
Earlier in February, AMWA hosted its annual Galentine’s Day. Throughout the afternoon, small groups of students took a break from studying to make Valentine’s Day cards for the residents of Rose Brooks, a local domestic violence shelter.

LGBTQIA Health District Alliance

Be on the lookout for the MACS educational sessions in March hosted by the Alliance and featuring topics centered on How to be an Ally, LGBTQIA+ trivia, and Being a Trans person.

LMSA
Latino Medical Student Association
LMSA hosted their MACS Educational Session in January on the topic "Impacts of Covid-19 on Black and Latinx Communities" with Dr. Amol V. Purandare.
SNMA

Student National Medical Association
SNMA Hosted Black History Month Week long Events February 15-19
Featuring: Trivia Night, Research Symposium, Student Lecture Series, Community Panel discussion on the Black Vote, and a Talent Show

Gold Humanism Honor Society Inductees

We are excited to acknowledge three of our MACS leaders in their honor to be inducted to the Gold Humanism Honor Society.
Jessica Anyaso 
SNMA President
Mahnoor Malik 
AMWA Co-President
Nikhila Pokala 
AMWA Co-President




U.N.I.T.E.D.

Uniting Numerous medIcal Trainees for Equity and Diversity
UNITED hosted 3 Mix and Mingle Recruitment virtual events featuring the work of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in collaboration with the Graduate Medical Education leadership. 137 future residents attended the events.
Comments from Attendees:
  • "I saw diversity in every aspect and felt the residents are very happy there. That sort of camaraderie will make the residency filled with fun and happiness."
  • "I was very impressed with the amount of thought and work that the UNITED initiative has demonstrated so far. It was nice to get an overview of the various activities the group takes part in and the event helped me better appreciate the positive atmosphere and culture that UMKC fosters."
  • "The effort university wise in improving the awareness of diversity is truly impressive."

The Learning Environment

Project Expect Respect

The Learning Environment recently launched Project Expect Respect. This initiative is designed to highlight the stories and lived experiences of our SOM community in efforts to promote learning, teachable moments, and empathy from the experiences of others. Please click here to share your story or read the stories of others.

File a Mistreatment Report using the QR code below:

Learn more about the Ombuspersons

Affiliate Updates

Truman Hospital
Children's Mercy Hosptial
Saint Luke's Hospital
Clinical Training Facility

Division of Diversity and Inclusion UMKC Updates

Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture Series

Hosted on Monday, February 15, 2021 featuring Professor Ibram X. Kendi Author of How to be an Antiracist. The virtual event brought over 2000 attendees from across the UMKC and Kansas City Community.
In solidarity and unity,
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The School of Medicine Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council
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