Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council

At the University of Washington, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are integral to excellence. We value and honor diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives, strive to create accessible, welcoming, and respectful learning environments, and promote access, opportunity, and justice for all.

The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council exists to intentionally identify, address, and innovate on DEI concerns and initiatives. A goal of the UW Department of Surgery is to engage in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work for the benefit of all faculty, staff, and trainees.  This not only helps us as surgeons, academicians, and people, but this benefit extends to our patients, and the community at large.  

The Department’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council is committed to fostering an environment where all applicants for faculty, staff and trainee positions can clearly see our dedication to cultural competency. This commitment is reflected in how our staff teach, interview, conduct research, and provide patient care. We are fortunate to benefit from the leadership, passion, and guidance of our Chair, Dr. Douglas Wood, whose support strengthens this work and helps ensure these values are embedded throughout the department.
The strategic goals set forth by the Chair are as follows:

1) Establish and report on best practices on diversity and inclusion in the department;
2) Work with divisional leadership and to assure the promotion of diversity and inclusion for all members;
3) Examine departmental recruitment and retention along with actions that assure that all members of the department have the opportunity to advance;
4) Develop programs, workshops, strategies, curriculum, and activities, as well as interface with other UW programs, to support diversity and inclusion for all, consistent with UW Board of Regent Policy No. 33.

The Department’s Diversity and Inclusion Council strives to build a culture of diversity and inclusion that isn’t just about accomplishing one project after another, but rather encouraging a daily look within to assess what each of us is doing to build inclusion, and ensuring that diversity and inclusion for all becomes a conscious a part of our thinking.