Infusing inclusive excellence throughout the WashU 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 WashU 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 promote innovative research and health equity within the St. Louis community and beyond.

Read our office’s full mission and vision »

WashU Medicine receives 2024 National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education Institutional Excellence Award for professional schools

The honor recognizes campuswide work by faculty, staff and students who help foster a diverse and inclusive culture based on collaboration, innovation and best practices.  

WashU Medicine honored with diversity, equity & inclusion award »

Helen E. Nash, MD, cares for infant patients at Homer G. Phillips Hospital, circa 1945.

Desegregating the Medical Campus

A new permanent exhibit and website share the historical experiences of Black doctors, nurses, patients, students and staff on the Medical Campus. Its purpose is to acknowledge past injustices, and serve as a reminder of our commitment to racial equity.

Explore online timeline » | About the exhibit »


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

Office of 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 applicants in medicine 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 practices, health and educational equity, community building and self-compassion.


Save the Date for the 2027 MLK Week Keynote

Join us for the 2027 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Week Keynote featuring Esther Choo, MD, MPH, Professor of Emergency Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University.

Dr. Choo will present “Advancing Health Equity and Addressing Systemic Disparities” on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2027, from 4–6 p.m. at the Eric P. Newman Education Center. Bruce D. Levy, MD, Dean of WashU Medicine, will provide opening remarks, and Opeolu Adeoye, MD, MS, Chair of Emergency Medicine, will moderate the keynote Q&A. A reception will begin at 3:15 p.m.

Upcoming events

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Latest news and updates

Esther Choo to deliver 2027 MLK Week keynote

Esther Choo to deliver 2027 MLK Week keynote

Health equity leader to address systemic disparities in health and medicine Esther Choo, MD, MPH, Professor of Emergency Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University, will deliver the keynote address for WashU Medicine’s 2027 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Week on Thursday, Jan. 21. Dr. Choo will present “Advancing Health Equity and Addressing Systemic […]
Join the Campus Celebration Committees

Join the Campus Celebration Committees

Help plan and celebrate campus observances across WashU Medicine. We’re gathering interested colleagues to serve on small planning committees for WashU Medicine campus celebrations (holidays, heritage months, and related observances). Committees meet once a week for up to two months before each celebration to shape ideas and logistics. Many administrative tasks are handled by the […]
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Week 2026

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Week 2026

Join us as we celebrate 2026 MLK Jr. Commemoration Week at WashU Medicine. We invite all members of our community to participate and reflect on ways to further Dr. King’s vision of justice and equality in our daily lives. In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this year’s program is themed “Historical Memory.” The week features opportunities to engage with inspiring speakers, reflective sessions, and celebrations honoring campus community members. Join us for this week of remembrance, reflection, and celebration of Dr. King’s enduring legacy.

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