Department of Orthopedic Surgery

Medical School

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Our Commitment

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.

Our DE&I Committee

The Department of Orthopedic Surgery's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Committee was formed as part of our annual strategy to support a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive orthopedic team and improve patient care.

DE&I Committee Members

Commitee Chairs

  • Aaron Corfield, DPM - Committee Chair
  • Joy Harken, MHA - Committee Co-Chair

Commitee Members

  • Joan Bechtold, PhD
  • Joel Boyd, MD
  • Jonathan Braman, MD, MHA
  • Angela Bruzina
  • Caitlin Chambers, MD
  • Jessica Downes, MD
  • Mahad Hassan, MD
  • Paul Hoogervorst, MD, PhD
  • Patrick Horrigan, MD
  • Amber Janish, LPN
  • Bibi Mohamed
  • Patrick Morgan, MD
  • Molly Olson
  • Amber Prahl
  • Erik Solberg, MA, MEd
  • Paul Soriano
  • Molly Struder, PA-C
  • Marc Tompkins, MD
  • Lily Wood, MD, PGY-3
  • Monique York

Committee Meetings

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

Committee Initiatives

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

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 are provided to all department members in a variety of ways. The intention is to spark a conversation, plant a seed, and weave DE&I topics into our department culture and daily lives.   

September 2022: Learning Disabilities and Adult Learners

According to the Learning Disabilities Association of America, learning disabilities are due to genetic or neurobiological factors that alter brain function, affecting one or more cognitive processes related to learning.

Read September 2022 Mindful Moment

Visiting Medical Student Scholarship for Underrepresented Populations in Orthopedics

The University of Minnesota is committed to achieving excellence through diversity, equity, and inclusion. 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 3rd and 4th 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.  

Application Requirements

  • Applicants must be upcoming 3rd or 4th year medical students attending a domestic LCME-accredited medical school and provide the following documents:
    • Current CV
    • Unofficial transcript
    • One Letter of recommendation
    • Personal statement addressing how you contribute to DE&I in orthopedics
    • Step 1 score (by uploading an USMLE unofficial transcript)

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 application period for the 2022-23 academic year is now closed. Applications for the 2023-24 academic year will open in February 2023. 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 department incorporates DE&I topics into its weekly Grand Rounds schedule. Previous presentations can be viewed below.

DE&I Book Club

Diversity and Inclusion Header

The department hosts a DE&I Book Club for faculty, residents, and staff. If you would like information about the department's upcoming discussions, please contact Project Development Manager Joy Harken, MHA.

Previous Books Read

Implicit Bias in Search and Selection Process

The University of Minnesota 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 for Workshop

For more information about this workshop, please contact Stef Jarvi at swilench@umn.edu or 612-624-0594.

Mindful Moments Archive

2022

2021

Submit Future Mindful Moment Topic Idea

Additional Articles & Resources

Department of Orthopedic Surgery Articles

University Resources

Medical School Dean's Lecture Series: DE&I in the Departments

The Department of Orthopedic Surgery was honored to participate in the Medical School Dean's Lecture Series: DE&I in the Departments. Assistant Professor Aaron Corfield, DPM, and Professor Jonathan Braman, MD, MHA, discussed the department's DE&I initiatives and how to advocate and implement real change within the department and the field of orthopedics.

Watch Recording