Medical students and faculty talked about diversity's central role in patient care at "Doctors for Diversity," an event sponsored by the UNC School of Medicine and the Whitehead Medical Society in the Medical Biomolecular Research Building Tuesday.
The event was organized by student members of the Resident Diversity Initiative and the Diversity Council.
Patrick O’Shea, co-president of the Whitehead Medical Society, said events like “Doctors for Diversity” are the starting points for important conversations about diversity.
“Commit to developing diversity competencies in everyday life,” he said. “Continue to learn from the wonderful people around you and commit to developing your diversities through lifelong learning.”
Speakers covered many topics within diversity such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, background, ideas, education and other areas.
“We all have implicit biases as to what diversity means,” said Kenya McNeal-Trice, program director of pediatrics residency. “Oftentimes we forget to include the diversity of ideas."
McNeal-Trice said medical students should evaluate their roles in promoting healthcare disparities.
"Your interactions and your relationships may change the trajectory of how you see others,” she said.
Representatives from each of the student organizations presented “Student Reflections,” which varied from speeches to spoken word performances.
