Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Our division envisions a community where all individuals recognize and advance the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). To us, inclusion is the opportunity to hold space for differences; we recognize that by embracing those differences, our community becomes richer and more prepared for the evolving world.
Our mission is to create a diverse, equitable, inclusive and more accessible environment that allows each individual the opportunity to achieve their greatest potential.
Our Strategic Pillars
The GI Division has built its Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Strategic Plan around the following four pillars:
- System and Process Improvement and Success
- Student Experience and Success
- Faculty and Staff Experience and Development
- Community Engagement and Partnership
Division DEI Representatives
Shahnaz Sultan, MD, MHSc, is the Department of Medicine's inaugural Vice Chair for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Dr. Sultan is an accomplished clinician, researcher, and educator in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. She brings to this role a breadth of leadership experience, accomplishment in health disparities research, an established record of increasing learner diversity, and a passion and vision for DEI work. Dr. Sultan will develop and oversee DEI efforts across the Department of Medicine's education, clinical, research, and service missions for faculty, staff, and learners. Her initial priorities are focused on assessing the Department's ongoing DEI activities and creating strategies, policies, and best practices that will enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in all mission areas.
Sara Atkins Howard, CSM, CSPO, MA, MBA, is directly involved with numerous DEI endeavors within the University, the Medical School and the Department of Medicine
Sara is the Division Administrator for the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition in the Department of Medicine, and currently serves on the Staff Advancing Diversity and Inclusion (SADI) Leadership Committee, the Department of Medicine DEI Council, the University’s Diversity Community of Practice, the University’s Social Concerns Senate Committee, and is an ex-officio member of Carlson School of Management DEI Committee. Sara is committed to prioritizing an inclusive working environment, identifying systemic inequities and ultimately improving the division's workplace culture.