Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Diversity improves the educational experience, strengthens our teams, makes us more effective problem solvers and helps us take care of those in need.
The Department of Surgery is committed to creating an environment that fosters belonging, respect and value for all.
Our Progress
We're working hard, but we know we still have much to do
2001
Asian Liver Center launches JoinJade, a global campaign to fight stigma, end transmission, and eliminate deaths associated with hepatitis B.
2004
The Division of General Surgery Residency Program begins attending AMEC/SNMA each year
2006
Samuel L. Kountz Scholarship is created
2011
Dr. Matias Bruzoni opens Stanford's Hispanic Clinic for Pediatric Surgery, a center with bilingual healthcare providers.
2016
Dr. Sherry Wren is named Department’s first Vice Chair for Diversity.
Surgery Department joins SCORE program
Read about our first participant, current General Surgery Resident Dr. Wilson Alobuia
General Surgery Resident Dr. Miquell Miller founds the GME Diversity Committee
2017
Diversity Training Program Cabinet is formed
Stanford Surgery hosts inaugural Diversity Lecture
2018
SMASH-Med Program welcomes inaugural class
Health Career Collaborative East Palo Alto Program initiated
2019
Stanford Surgery commits to photo-less applications.
J.E.D.I. Council is formed
2020
Stanford launches Cultural Competency Curriculum. Watch videos from the 2020 Session.
Cultural Complications Curriculum is integrated into Monthly M&Ms. Submit a Cultural QI case
Stanford Surgery DEI Award and Dr. Miquell Miller Award for Promoting Diversity and Inclusion are established.
2022
Dr. Jill Helms succeeds Dr. Wren as Vice Chair of Diversity.
Programs for Medical Students
Samuel L. Kountz Diversity Fellowship in General Surgery
Established in 2008, this fellowship provides a stipend for a senior student to participate in a sub-internship with Stanford's Division of General Surgery. Apply through SCORE!
Stanford Clinical Opportunity for Residency Experience (SCORE)
SCORE brings fourth-year medical students from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences to Stanford for a four-week residential clinical training program in one of our clinical departments.
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This course allows first-year medical students to participate in clinical experiences that inform their vision as future physicians.
Rising second-year medical students from Historically Black Medical Colleges (HBMCs) come to Stanford’s campus for an 8-week, full-time research program.
Funding Opportunities
Stanford Surgery Seed Grant Program
Each year, the department funds 3-6 faculty projects for total first round funding of $250,000. At least one research grant is reserved each year for a proposal that addresses the topic of racial justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Conference Funding
This initiative is designed to support residents and fellows in attending conferences that align with the values and mission of JEDI. This is an incredible opportunity to enhance professional development, build connections, and further engage in impactful conversations at conferences that champion equity and inclusion. All current residents and fellows are eligible for funding.
The application deadline has passed. More details coming soon!
Questions? Contact Jerri Anna Roper or Anita Hagan.
Programs for HS Students
Health Career Collaborative
Stanford Surgery faculty, trainees, and staff participate in the Health Career Collaborative with East Palo Alto High School. The three-year program is designed to inspire high school students to pursue careers in health and medicine.
SSCCPP is a 6-week in-residence academic and personal enrichment program targeting San Francisco Bay Area community college students who have experienced academic or economic barriers in pursuing their postsecondary education. Participants will receive instruction in science strategies, research methodology, and topics in health care including health disparities, civic activism, community engagement, and leadership.
Each summer, STaRS hosts a group of talented young individuals who will work side-by-side with experienced clinician/scientist mentors and peers. This 7-week, in-person experience will challenge, inspire, and guide our interns on their first steps toward careers in healthcare and research. Prior lab experience is not a prerequisite. Passion, however, is essential.
MVLA Healthcare Career Pathways
This program introduces high school students from Mountain View Los Altos HS District to healthcare pathways through field trip visits to Stanford labs and discussions with diverse medical career professionals.
Cultural QI
Cultural Quality Improvement is a departmental-wide program to discuss, educate, and reflect on the interactions and situations often faced in the hospital that make department members feel uncomfortable, discriminated against, othered, or invalidated. The hospital is a complex environment with a myriad of communications and interactions between staff, colleagues, trainees, students, patients, and families that sometimes result in a situation that you wish would have been better. We are all working to improve, and discussing these situations is a way we can all improve and work on our professional development as departmental members, leaders, and educators.
Cultural QI cases are discussed at our monthly department M&M. Click here to submit a case.
Annual Events
Annual Diversity Lecture
Started in 2016, the Annual Diversity Lecture was created to showcase either diversity/equity/inclusion or professional development. The 2-day visit includes meetings with faculty, residents, and staff as well as additional talks with Stanford Med's Office of Faculty Development and Diversity, Faculty Women’s Forum, and/or other departments.
Past Speakers
2018 Col. Jeff Hutchinson, MD
2019 Reshmi Jagsi, MD
2020 Tom Varghese Jr., MD
2021 Fatima Cody Stanford, MD
2022 Paris Buttler, MD
& Thomas Satterwhite, MD
2023 Sharmila Dissanike, MD
2024 Odi Ehie, MD
2025 Dr. Wayne Frederick
PRIDE - June
- LGBTQ+ individuals may face barriers to accessing culturally competent and affirming healthcare. Through this annual event, we endeavor to show that Stanford Health Care is open and accepting of all community members.
Join our annual Pride Parade!
Culturally Inclusive Food Fair
The Culturally Inclusive Food Fairs were started by the Staff JEDI committee in 2022. Each event is based on a different culture or region of the world and features cuisine from locally-owned businesses. Past event have included African-American cuisines, Asian and Pacific Islands, Latin America, and the Middle East. All Department of Surgery faculty, staff, and trainees are welcome at these educational (and delicious!) events.
Awards
Dr. Miquell Miller Award for Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
The Dr. Miquell Miller Award for Promoting Diversity and Inclusion was established in 2020 to recognize an outstanding GME trainee who embodies the passion and commitment to expanding diversity and inclusion efforts as demonstrated by Dr. Miquell Miller during her time at Stanford. Dr. Miller was the inspiration and the leader in creating the Stanford GME Diversity Council.
To cement Dr. Miller's legacy, Department of Surgery Chair Dr. Mary Hawn made a gift that will fund an annual award in her name, recommended initially to be $1,000.
The recipient is determined by the Graduate Medical Education Diversity Committee with representation from the Department of Surgery Diversity Council. The first awardee—announced in Spring 2021—was Internal Medicine Resident Dr. Christine Santiago.