Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Health Equity
Located in the Rio Grande Valley, the mission of The UTRGV School of Medicine is to educate a diverse group of students and future biomedical scientists. That is why we strive to create a diverse and inclusive environment for all UTRGV School of Medicine faculty, students, residents, fellows and staff.
By creating a more inclusive academic medicine community, we will fulfill our vision to be a leader in the creation of a diverse and representative workforce, the stimulation of biomedical innovation, and the delivery of patient-centered care for the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.
UTRGV SOM Endorsement of AAMC Diversity & Inclusion Definitions
School Endorsement of AAMC Group on Diversity and Inclusion Definitions
To complement our school-specific definition of diversity, we also ask our faculty and staff to recognize the operable and formal definitions of diversity, inclusion and health equity established through extensive collaboration and deliberation of the Association of American Medical Colleges’ Group on Diversity and Inclusion: Through extensive collaboration and deliberation, the Association of American Medical Colleges’ Group on Diversity and Inclusion established the below-listed definitions of Diversity, Inclusion and Health Equity, which have become operable formal definitions for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine.
Diversity- Diversity as a core value embodies inclusiveness, mutual respect, and multiple perspectives and serves as a catalyst for change resulting in health equity. In this context, we are mindful of all aspects of human differences such as socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, language, nationality, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, geography, disability, and age.
Inclusion
- Inclusion is a core element for successfully achieving diversity. Inclusion is achieved by nurturing the climate and culture of the institution through professional development, education, policy, and practice. The objective is creating a climate that fosters belonging, respect, and value for all and encourages engagement and connection throughout the institution and community.
Health Equity
- Health equity is when everyone has the opportunity to attain their full health potential, and no one is disadvantaged from achieving this potential because of their social position or other socially determined circumstance.
Diversity Leadership (SOM)
Sofia Hernandez, MPA
Chief Diversity Officer
Diversity, Inclusion & Health Equity
Adela Valdez, MD, MBA
Associate Dean
Diversity, Inclusion & Health Equity
Welcome Message
Contact
Sofia Hernandez
Chief Diversity Officer
Email: Sofia.Hernandez@utrgv.edu
Phone: (956) 296-1951