Infusing diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the Washington University School of Medicine community

The mission of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is to:

Provide leadership, expertise and advocacy on all diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within Washington University School of Medicine.

Direct, lead and advance institutional efforts that create a welcoming, diverse and inclusive environment where everyone is valued and respected.

Enhance and develop community partnerships designed to address health needs and promote health equity within the St. Louis community and beyond.

Read our office’s full mission and vision »


Divisions that support our work

Core areas of focus housed within the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion include:

A young Black woman wearing a white physicians coat holds a handwritten sign that says: "My white coat means ... to commit to lifelong learning, humility and the fight for equity in science and medicine! 'Ndoto Zinatimia'"

MD Diversity Programs

Enhances the medical educational environment through recruitment of a culturally diverse academic workforce, while preparing a diverse student body to become leaders in a vibrant, global society. Offers programs for high school students; current students, trainees and junior faculty; visiting medical students and more.

Summer scholar Jakayla Folarin-Hines, left, meets with Victora Brings, PhD, right, to present and get feedback on her research.

Academic Pathway Programs

Builds an intentional and deliberate infrastructure to improve efforts in recruiting, retaining, and developing underrepresented applicants in medicine (UiM) and the STEM workforce. Connects high school, college, and doctoral students with educational and scientific activities which otherwise may be inaccessible.

A group of people examines and discusses a timeline documenting the medical campus history of segregation and desegregation.

Programming and Professional Development

Provides education, programming and consultation to the WashU Med community for increased understanding and skill development around the work of diversity, equity and inclusion, utilizing frameworks for culture change, restorative justice, health equity, community building and self-compassion.


Commemorate Women’s History Month

This month, WashUMedODEI celebrates Women’s History Month! Recognizing and celebrating women’s contributions in medicine is important because it helps to shatter gender bias and stereotypes in the field. By highlighting the achievements of women doctors, researchers, and pioneers, we can inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in medicine and ensure that their contributions are acknowledged and valued. This recognition also helps us to acknowledge the systemic barriers that women have faced in medicine and work towards creating a more inclusive and diverse healthcare industry.

Upcoming events

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Latest news and updates

Happy Ramadan!

Happy Ramadan!

This week marks the beginning of Ramadan this year and ends on April 9th. People all over the world, here in St. Louis, and many colleagues and patients will celebrate and observe Ramadan. As we work towards a culture that values diversity and a community that strives to foster belonging, we thought it might be […]

SNMA PRESENTS…Black History & The Arts Week 4 (PDF) (Links to an external site)

African American art is infused with African, Caribbean, Afro-Latin, and Black-American lived experiences. In the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary, and other forms of cultural expression, the African American influence has been paramount. African American artists have used art to preserve history and community memory as well as for empowerment. Artistic and cultural movements, such as the New Negro, Black Arts, Black Renaissance, hiphop, and Afrofuturism, have been led by people of African descent and set the standard for popular trends around the world. In 2024, SNMA examines the varied history and life of African American arts and artisans within St. Louis.
Recognizing our past, shaping our future: Desegregation History Wall install begins Feb. 12

Recognizing our past, shaping our future: Desegregation History Wall install begins Feb. 12

The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is very excited to share the installation of a permanent wall display specific to Black History on campus!  The wall depicts the historical experiences of Black and African American individuals on the Medical Campus and is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that our institutions and communities are places where all people feel included, are treated fairly and justly, and are recognized for their meaningful contributions.

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