Welcome to the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (ODEI) at the University of Minnesota Medical School. The office works across both campuses and Medical School departments, centers, and units in collaboration with community partners and health system leadership to promote and advance innovative ideas, programs, and initiatives making diversity, equity, and inclusion a foundation of institutional excellence.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion is at the heart of our tri-part mission of innovative research, excellence in education and training, and collaborating with communities to improve health and health outcomes. At ODEI we:

  • Foster inclusion, so that students, faculty, and staff from diverse talent pools experience belonging, engagement, and achievement.
  • Provide leadership, guidance, and support across the Medical School to conceptualize, define, assess, and nurture the climate required for diversity, inclusion, and excellence to thrive.
  • Address issues of faculty, staff, and student diversity and work closely with department heads and chairs, institute/center directors, and senior administration to develop robust school-wide and departmental diversity strategic plans to align diversity and inclusion with the school’s tri-part mission.

We look forward to working with our Medical School, University community, and like-minded institutions that have the courage and leadership to become change agents with us.

Ana Núñez, MD, FACP

Vice Dean of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

she/her/hers

Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Our Mission

The University of Minnesota Medical School is committed to excellence in fulfilling its mission to embrace an environment of inclusiveness, equal opportunity, and respect for the similarities and differences in our community.

Our Vision

We envision an atmosphere where differences are valued and celebrated, knowing institutional diversity fuels the advancement of knowledge, promotes improved patient care and fosters excellence. We thrive to create a culturally aware workforce qualified to meet the needs of the diverse populations we serve and strive to have our community better reflect the broad range of identities in our state, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, national origin, religious practice, and socioeconomic status.

Our Goals

  • Identify and enable inclusive excellence in research, clinical care, education/training and a productive work environment.

  • Implement on-going and systematic initiatives designed for the recruitment, retention, and development of learners, faculty, and staff who are underrepresented in medicine.

  • Engage all members of the Medical School to improve the quality and impact of DEI efforts and support a climate of inclusion, respect, and learning related to diversity.

  • Engage the spirit of inquiry for health disparities innovation and strive to improve the representation and support of those who have been historically marginalized and are underrepresented in medicine.

  • Provide a welcoming and supportive learning environment for all members of our community across a broad range of identities (including race, gender identity, sexual orientation, gender expression, disability, national origin, religion, and socioeconomic status)

  • Strive for our learning community to better reflect the demographics of the state and provide equal access to and opportunities in its programs, facilities, and employment to all.

Student Voice: Shanice Harris, Class of 2024

Shanice Harris UMN Class of 2024

I chose the University of Minnesota Medical School because I believed its curriculum would mold me into the physician I desire to be; that is a physician that will advocate for the most vulnerable populations and ensure patient-centered, quality care for all. I like the community I have been able to cultivate with my peers and classmates. It brings me great joy to know that my classmates and I have been able to ensure that the medical school continues to create and implement an anti-racism curriculum that addresses systemic issues within medicine.

Connect with Us

We aspire to be a learning culture where we can have conversations and learn from each other. Contact us with feedback, questions, concerns or ideas.

If you have an event or news you would like help promoting, please fill out this form.