Diversity & Inclusion
UT Southwestern strives to be a model of diversity and inclusion. We reflect the many cultures and perspectives that enable us to reach our full potential while using our individuality to deliver excellence in health care, education, and research. We Are Diverse. We Are Inclusive. We Are UT Southwestern.
Diversity Matters
Our programs are dedicated to training public health leaders in research and practice from diverse backgrounds. We believe the most effective public health research and practice includes different perspectives, backgrounds, cultural experiences, thoughts, and ideas. To create that environment, the O’Donnell School is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse student population. Learn more about UTSW Student Diversity and Inclusion.
Diversity is Essential to Our Mission
Our commitment to promoting a diverse student body is pivotal in carrying out our broader mission of:
Equitable Health for All
UT Southwestern is committed to studying the causes of inequity in health. Working with our partners, including Parkland Health and Children’s Health, and local community organizations, we develop and evaluate interventions to address disparities.
Health equity is about more than individuals or individual behavior; it’s also about history and context of places and systems. System-level factors contributing to inequities include variations in education, employment, nutrition, and safe neighborhood environments.
Community-Engaged and Preventive Health Research
We conduct research using community-based participatory research principles such as trustworthiness, respect for diverse perspectives, and participatory decision-making to build strong ties among researchers, public health workers, and community members.
We work with our community partners on research projects to produce results that benefit their own localities as well as generate discoveries that can be more widely implemented in other areas.
Public Policy Influence
Just as institutional and public policies impact health care delivery, policies affecting sectors outside health care, such as education, transportation, and housing, have major impacts on population health and health equity. We continue to advocate for all community members and to provide knowledge and resources they need to improve their health.
Diversity and the Community
UT Southwestern works with many organizations to connect with the communities we serve. Among our activities:
UT Southwestern sends more than 75 volunteers to participate in this event, which is hosted by the Consulate of Mexico and designed to raise awareness about healthy lifestyles and provide educational activities, workshops, insurance referrals, flu vaccinations, and medical screenings.
This leadership program matches highly motivated college students with paid internships, mentors, and character- and skills-building experiences at UT Southwestern.
Each year, volunteers from UT Southwestern provide free health screenings and informational sessions to the Dallas community.
This eight-week, paid summer internship program introduces Dallas public high school students to careers and employment opportunities in health-related fields at UT Southwestern.
A UT Southwestern program since 1991, the STARS (Science Teacher Access to Resources at Southwestern) program has grown to provide educational resources to more than 14,000 teachers and an estimated 65,000 students in 3,500 schools in Dallas/Fort Worth and surrounding areas.
UT Southwestern honors Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month, celebrating the enduring contributions of individuals whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
UT Southwestern honors the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and recognizes outstanding students who exemplify the spirit of Dr. King’s efforts to achieve social and political justice through community service.
UT Southwestern honors its faculty, students, and staff who are veterans and active service members.
“The expansion of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts is directly correlated to the growth of UT Southwestern. In leading a cohesive campuswide DEI strategy, I look forward to partnering with leaders across campus to build greater collaboration and synergy that will ensure UTSW leverages its vast strengths and successes for the greatest impact with an emphasis on excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion.”
Student Diversity Organizations
Learn more about UTSW Student Diversity and Inclusion
Events
- Black Men in White Coats
UT Southwestern is a partner of DiverseMedicine Inc., an organization founded to inspire individuals from underrepresented minority groups and economically disadvantaged backgrounds to become highly effective clinicians and scientists. Established in 2013, the Black Men in White Coats campaign aims to increase the number of Black men pursuing careers in health care. UT Southwestern hosted the first-ever Black Men in White Coats summit in February 2019.
- Greater Dallas Healthcare Diversity Summit
For five consecutive years, UT Southwestern has hosted the Greater Dallas Healthcare Diversity Summit.
- Science Saturday
UT Southwestern hosts Science Saturday, a free event for people of all ages to learn about biomedical research discoveries made at the institution.
- UT Southwestern LaunchAbility Academy
Each year, UT Southwestern provides job training for underserved adults with cognitive disabilities such as autism and Down syndrome, as well as those with stroke effects and significant learning disabilities.
- UT Southwestern Research & Health Careers Conference
Each year the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion sponsors a Research & Health Careers Conference for students interested in a career in medicine and science.
Diversity & Inclusion Resources
2020 Diversity & Inclusion Annual Report
President’s Council on Institutional Opportunity
The Council was formed in 2016 to engage faculty, staff, and the student body through education and training to ensure that they develop the cultural awareness competency required to effectively serve the mission of UT Southwestern.
Additional Links
- This is a Place Where You Belong – A Letter from the President
- Housestaff Emerging Academy of Leaders (HEAL) for Underrepresented Groups
- Quinn Capers IV, M.D., Appointed Associate Dean for Faculty Diversity
- Faculty Women’s Club
- Women in Science and Medicine Advisory Committee (WISMAC)
- Office of Institutional Equity & Access
- UT Southwestern Diversity & Inclusion