New leader for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts in the SOM

My reflection: As March History month progresses, I have been processing what it means to be appointed as the new leader to advance equity and inclusion at Emory School of Medicine. The announcement was sent on March 7th, International Women's Day, which couldn't have been more apropos. As one who has always been proud of my Jamaican heritage, the importance of this role is not lost on me.

Clearly, the data remains stagnant in the advancement of women, particularly women of color in leadership to executive-level positions. According to the AAMC Diversity in Medicine: Facts and Figures 2019, 3.6% of the US medical school faculty are identified as Black/African-American. The commitment to advancing the next generation of physicians and indeed all healthcare professionals who are underrepresented couldn't be more palpable. I look forward to the continued journey.

The article:

I am delighted to announce that Sheryl Heron, MD, MPH, Associate Dean for Community Engagement Equity and Inclusion, has been named Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the School of Medicine, effective March 1, 2022. Dr. Heron assumes the role formerly held by Carolyn Meltzer.

As leader of the SOM's diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, Heron will drive progress toward our institutional goals by focusing on several areas, including program and policy development, awareness and education, research, and partnerships and engagement. She will also partner with our education leaders to support diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism efforts across pipeline programs, prospective learners and current learners in addition to faculty and staff.

In her current role as associate dean, Dr. Heron is already deeply involved in this important work and has made numerous significant contributions, not only within the School of Medicine, but at a local and national level. She currently serves as the Association of American Medical Colleges Group on Diversity and Inclusion (AAMC-GDI) southern region representative. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Heron into this additional leadership role.

To get email updates twice a month on more activities related to diversity, equity and inclusion, email somdei@emory.edu.

Thank you to our faculty, staff and learners across the SOM for your continued commitment to building a culture and climate of equity and inclusion, where diversity is nurtured, valued, and celebrated.

Vikas

Vikas P. Sukhatme MD, ScD
Dean and Woodruff Professor,
Emory University School of Medicine
Chief Academic Officer, Emory Healthcare
Director, Morningside Center for Innovative and Affordable Medicine