INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE

OUR COMMITMENT 

Consistent with the University of California’s mission of fostering inclusive excellence, the University of California San Diego Department of Pediatrics and its training programs are committed to cultivating diverse, equitable, and inclusive environments. 

Our Department is committed to identifying systemic structures and individual hidden biases, and to counteract these forces as we interact with patients, families, colleagues, and trainees. Our goal is to create an inclusive environment that allows us to attract, retain, and support a diverse faculty, staff, and trainee population who will advance the field of Pediatrics and provide excellent care to our diverse population. We are particularly committed to creating an inclusive, engaging, and respectful culture, and educating our trainees to not only be scientific and clinical leaders in Pediatrics, but also to be firmly committed to advancing equitable care for all children. 

INITIATIVES AND EVENTS 

RECRUITMENT

We have adopted a holistic approach to our recruitment process and evaluate each candidate based on their experiences, attributes, competencies, and academic metrics.  

CURRICULUM

Noon Conference Didactics:  

-Noon conferences every month specific to health equity and advocacy 

-Faculty lectures that address health disparities  

Some examples of specific noon conference topics: 

• Adverse Childhood Experiences(ACEs) 

• Disparities in Child abuse reporting 

• Food insecurity 

• Health disparities around chronic kidney disease 

• Health disparities around Asthma 

• Native and Indigenous Health 

• Human Trafficking 

• Refugee health 

• Military health 

• Trauma-informed care 

Health Equity Sessions: Half-day educational sessions that focus on Health Equity and Advocacy topics  

Community Immersion Educational Sessions: Half-day sessions that offer residents an enriching opportunity to deeply engage with the community and understand how our diverse community shapes the way we provide compassionate care.  

Health Equity Rounds: This is an annual grand rounds presentation by the Pediatric Diversity Collaborative residents that focuses on addressing disparities in healthcare access, delivery, and outcomes. The residents analyze systemic barriers and strategize solutions to promote equal and optimal care for all patients through case-based reviews and collaborative problem-solving.  

Health Equity Journal Clubs:  This evening social event takes place at faculty member homes with discussions centered on diversity, equity, and inclusion literature, promoting critical examination and fostering informed dialogues on systemic issues in various fields. 

Community Pediatrics Rotation 

This is a month long rotation for interns to immerse them in the San Diego community. From foodbanks, to schools, to family health centers to immunization sites, this experience provides insight into how community partners care for children and families. On this rotation interns are paired with a mentor and complete a community health advocacy project.   

Advocacy Elective 

The advocacy elective is offered to second and third year residents who have a strong interest in advocacy. This election includes lectures, hands on projects, simulated experiences, media training and more.  

Other Events: 

Vibrant gatherings that bring together individuals from varied backgrounds to share, learn, and connect. 

• Diversity Collaborative welcome with new interns 

• GME JEDI Intern Welcome​ 

• Annual PRIDE pool party 

• Music Nights 

• Art Nights