Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The University of Minnesota Department of Orthopedic Surgery recognizes the significance of a diverse workforce and strives toward healthcare justice for all of our patient populations. We understand that we produce our best research, workplace culture, educational opportunities, and patient outcomes when equity, inclusion, and diversity are at the forefront. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable orthopedic department, respecting and valuing the contributions of diverse faculty, trainees, staff, and patients to achieve excellence in all we do.

Medical School Dean's Lecture Series: DEI in the Departments

The Medical School Dean’s Lecture Series is a series of presentations offered to faculty, staff, and students in the Medical School community, as a response to critical issues that are emerging during the pandemic, as well as our efforts to address racial injustice and health disparities within our institution. The Department of Orthopedic Surgery was honored to participate in the September lecture. Assistant Professor Aaron Corfield, DPM, and Professor Jon Braman, MD, discussed the department's DEI committee initiatives, including how to implement and enact real change within the department and in orthopedics.

Watch the Lecture

Mindful Moments

Each month, the department focuses on a topic that reinforces an inclusive mindset. Resources such as published articles, short videos, and talking points will be provided to all department members in a variety of ways. The intention is to spark a conversation, plant a seed, and weave diversity, equity, and inclusion topics into our department culture and daily lives.

May 2022: Islamophobia & Muslim Americans

Islamophobia is the fear of, hatred of, or prejudice against the religion of Islam or Muslims in general, especially when seen as a geopolitical force or a source of terrorism. Some scholars consider it a form of xenophobia or racism, while others disagree because religion is not a race. Islam is a religion that began in Arabia and was revealed to humanity by the Prophet Muhammad. The word “Allah” in Arabic script or characters can be regarded as visually representing Islam as a symbol.

Read more >>

Our DE&I Committee

The Department of Orthopedic Surgery's DE&I committee was formed as part of the annual strategy to support a more diverse and equitable orthopedic department and improve patient care. Committee goals include implicit bias training for interviewers, more diversity topics and speakers of color at Grand Rounds, retreats focused on DEI initiatives, outreach to communities of color, and more.

Committee Members:

Aaron Corfield, DPM - Committee Chair
Joy Harken, MHA - Committee Co-Chair
Joan Bechtold, PhD
Angela Bruzina
Joel Boyd, MD
Jonathan Braman, MD
Caitlin Chambers, MD
Jessica Downes, MD
Mahad Hassan, MD
Paul Hoogervorst, MD
Patrick Horrigan, MD
Amber Janish, LPN
Kathleen Javor
Bibi Mohamed
Molly Olson
Patrick Morgan, MD
Amber Prahl
Erik Solberg, MA, MEd
Paul Soriano
Molly Struder, PA-C
Marc Tompkins, MD
Lily Wood, MD
Monique York

Committee Meetings:

Our committee meets monthly as a large group. Please contact Joy Harken, MHA or Aaron Corfield, DPM for more information.

Current Initiatives:

Learn more about what the DE&I Committee accomplished in year 1!

Visiting Medical Student Scholarship for Underrepresented Populations in Orthopedics

The University of Minnesota is committed to achieving excellence through equity and diversity. We value having diverse views and experiences that enrich our academics and our profession as a whole. The Department of Orthopedic Surgery, in conjunction with the Medical School, has the goal of creating an atmosphere where differences are valued, leading to a culturally competent healthcare workforce qualified to meet the needs of the varied populations we serve. Our scholarship provides financial assistance for upcoming 3^rdand 4^th year medical students (class of 2023 and 2024) who are planning a career in orthopedic surgery, and want to do a four-week away rotation at our site. Diverse students whose backgrounds and/or identities are underrepresented in orthopedics are encouraged to apply. The chosen applicants will be given a stipend of $1,000 to be used towards their lodging and/or travel expenses.

Requirements:

Must be an upcoming 3rd or 4th year medical student
Attend a domestic LCME-accredited medical school
Provide a current CV
Upload an unofficial transcript
Letter of recommendation from a professional reference who can speak to your goals and academic experience (One letter of recommendation only)
Provide a personal statement addressing how you contribute to diversity in orthopedics
Provide Step 1 score by uploading an USMLE unofficial transcript
Zoom interview; If selected as a top five candidate

Selection will be based on a holistic approach. Students’ academic achievements, shown leadership, academic research, orthopedic interest, and good academic standings will all be considered when selecting candidates. The deadline for AY 22/23 has been extended to April 15, 2022.

Learn more and apply >>

If you have any questions regarding this scholarship, please contact Education Manager Erik Solberg, MA, MEd, at 612-273-1313 or orthoed@umn.edu.

DE&I Grand Rounds

The University of Minnesota Department of Orthopedic Surgery incorporates diversity, equity, and inclusion topics into its weekly Grand Rounds schedule. Past presentations can be viewed below.

Learning Opportunities

DE&I Book Club:

The Department of Orthopedic Surgery hosts a DE&I Book Club for faculty, residents, and staff. If you would like information about upcoming discussions, please contact to Project Development Manager Joy Harken, MHA.

Implicit Bias in Search and Selection Process:

The University is committed to increasing diversity among its staff, faculty, and students in admissions, promotions, scholarship decisions, and other selection processes. The presence of implicit bias in these processes can inhibit this goal. This workshop exposes participants to the breadth of implicit bias research and will help them recognize shortcuts resulting from unconscious or unexamined bias. Participants will learn promising practices and resources for addressing implicit bias in the context of search and selection processes. Register here. For more information about this workshop, please contact Stef Jarvi at swilench@umn.edu or 612-624-0594.

Mindful Moment Archive:

Submit your idea for a future Mindful Moment topic.

Articles & Resources

Where it Starts:

Where it Starts is a new series by the University of Minnesota of videos, interviews, and articles featuring Black community members to celebrate Black History Month. Access the series >>

Project Implicit:

Project Implicit is a nonprofit organization and international collaboration between researchers who are interested in implicit social cognition - thoughts and feelings outside of conscious awareness and control. The goal of the organization is to educate the public about hidden biases and to provide a “virtual laboratory” for collecting data on the Internet. Learn more or take a test >>

Articles:

IMPLICIT BIAS IN MEDICAL SCHOOL ADMISSIONS: The paper by Quinn Capers, MD, Daniel Clinchot, MD, Leon McDougle, MD, and Anthony Greenwald, PhD, is being used as a framework for the department's own implicit bias training.

Department of Orthopedic Surgery Articles:

Equity & Diversity Education Program Resources >>

University Resources

UMN OFFICE FOR EQUITY & DIVERSITY

Explore the University's Office for Equity and Diversity website to find services, awards, scholarships, and educational opportunities.

MINORITY AFFAIRS & DIVERSITY

The mission of the Medical School’s Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity is to create a welcoming environment for underrepresented medical students.

FACULTY FIGHTING RACISM

Medical School