We are deeply committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive community where all residents are welcomed, respected and supported.

By bringing together individuals from varying backgrounds, experiences and areas of expertise, we benefit from a collective wealth of knowledge and ideas. It is this diversity that allows us to develop richer solutions to complex scientific and clinical challenges and to train culturally sensitive surgeons and scientists. It is also this diversity that enables us to provide the best care to our diverse community of patients.

Washington University encourages and gives full consideration to all applicants for admission, financial aid and employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ability, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, socio-economic status or genetic information. “We implement policies and practices that support the inclusion of all such potential students, trainees and employees and are committed to being an institution that is accessible to everyone who learns, conducts research, works and seeks care on our campus,” states the School of Medicine.

The Department of Surgery at Washington University recognizes that the diversity of our faculty should reflect the diversity of our patients, staff and residents. While ongoing efforts will not immediately change the breadth of representation within the Department, we hope to expand our faculty diversity as part of our commitment to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive community.

The Department of Surgery and the General Surgery Residency Program supports the School of Medicine’s diversity, equity and inclusion vision. Diversity efforts and initiatives within our department include, but are not limited to:

  • Department-wide participation in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) training for all faculty, staff, and trainees
  • Establishment of a Department of Surgery DEI Task Force including the Chair, department leaders and members, and trainees focused on positively impacting diversity in faculty, staff, patients and all members of the department
  • Participation and support of advocacy groups such as the Society of Black Academic Surgeons, Latino Medical Student Association, and Association of Women Surgeons
  • Holistic review of residency applications to successfully broaden trainee diversity
  • Annual Diversity Sub-Internship Program, which is designed to give students with a diverse background the experience of rotating as a surgical sub-intern at the Department of Surgery
  • Pipeline efforts to support high school and college youth interested in medical careers through BJC and Washington University School of Medicine, including simulation lab exposure
  • Patient care expansion into resource-limited areas of the St. Louis area, including North County
  • The Division of Public Health Sciences’ focus on health disparities research throughout the St. Louis region
  • Participation in the Washington University Minority Medical Association
  • Participation in the PACTS trial – we are the only institution in the Midwest involved
  • Women faculty supporting mentorship events for women trainees. In past years, women in surgery events have been hosted by faculty including Majella Doyle, MD, MBA, Mary Klingensmith, MD, and Shaina Eckhouse, MD
  • Dr. Eckhouse’s work with the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Perioperative Services Leadership Team on the Peer Advocacy Program, addressing microaggressions and other concerning behaviors in and out of the ORs

Several DEI resources are also available for all trainees, including:

  • The Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
    • The Office of DEI directly supports the School of Medicine’s commitment to creating an environment that is diverse, inclusive and nurturing of people from all backgrounds. This office hosts various events throughout the year and lists a number of resources intended to help groups and individuals across campus learn more about matters related to diversity on their website
  • OUTmed
    • OUTmed is a Department of Medicine sponsored organization that is open to all people in the School of Medicine. They support the LGBTQIA+ community by increasing visibility and recruitment, improving policies, and providing education to the School of Medicine. They also organize the OUTmentor Program which provides mentorship for LGBTQIA+ identifying faculty, residents, and students.
  • Washington University Medical Center Housestaff Auxiliary
    • WUMCHA is a community of members who understand the unique challenges of a medical career and is composed of individuals affiliated with the medical center such as partners of housestaff and attendings. WUMCHA offers multiple benefits for members, include social events for adults and families, information on preferred providers and resources in the St Louis area, and special interest groups.