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.


Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

We commemorate the cultures, achievements, and contributions of the original peoples of this land. We take time to reflect on their legacy and to ensure that their stories are remembered. It is our commitment to recognize and honor their courage and resilience.

Upcoming events

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Latest news and updates

Medical student-led community screenings help address health inequities

Medical student-led community screenings help address health inequities (Links to an external site)

Dispensing health-care advice and offering information about community resources at the Greater St. Louis Hispanic Festival in September was Joshua McPhie, a fourth-year medical student at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. McPhie, along with 10 other Spanish-speaking medical students, screened patients in the Healthy Kid Express van, a mobile health-care clinic.
High school founded with help of med school leader receives accolades

High school founded with help of med school leader receives accolades (Links to an external site)

Will Ross co-founded Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience in 2013. A magnet public high school, Collegiate aims to serve high-achieving students, many of whom reside in under-resourced neighborhoods and are interested in pursuing careers in science, medicine and health. In August, Collegiate School was ranked the No. 2 public high school out of 455 schools in Missouri, and No. 150 in the nation.

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